Awards & Recognitions

The National Corporation of the Year Award recognizes an NMSDC national corporate member for their MBE inclusion and development, supplier diversity program success, support of tier II minority businesses, and active participation in the community. The honorees are divided into five categories based on annual sales:

• Corporations with less than $10 billion in sales.
• Corporations with $10 billion to less than $50 billion in sales.
• Corporations with $50 billion to less than $100 billion in sales.
• Corporations with $100 billion to less than $150 billion in sales.
• Corporations with $150 billion in sales or more.

One Regional Corporation of the Year winner from each sales band is named National Corporation of the Year. Please consult your regional council for application procedures for Regional Corporation of the Year.

The Forefront 25: Top Corporations for Minority Business

All nominees for National Corporation of the Year are considered NMSDC's 2023 Forefront 25: Top Corporations for Minority Business. These are corporate members who are leveling the playing field and ensuring access and equity for systematically excluded communities of color. One corporation from each of the five sales categories will win the esteemed Corporation of the Year award. 

The MED Week Awards are the Federal Government’s annual opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements of minority business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing minority business enterprises. These awards are presented during MED Week—the Federal Government’s annual celebration of the minority business community—which is hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).

The Emerging Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) program is a year-long program uniquely designed to provide the next generation of minority entrepreneur participants ages 19-35 with support to enhance their growing business. Business owners receive guidance from corporate sponsors, MBEs, and additional stakeholders. The program utilizes an interactive pre and post-conference curriculum along with five days of hands-on training and practical application. Participants are provided the skills, tools, and strategies to start or grow their innovative businesses.

As part of the program, participants hone their pitch to investors for a chance to showcase their company at the NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange. Five finalists will enter the EYE Pitch Competition for a chance to win a grant to support expanding their business. 

The Minority Business Development Leader of the Year disrupts the status quo, advocates for minority businesses and minority suppliers, connects suppliers with different levels at their organization, goes above and beyond the line of duty to provide support for minority businesses, and supports other initiatives in minority business development.

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes the contributions of individuals who have dedicated their lives to advancing supplier and business diversity. Recipients of this award may come from the private, public, or nonprofit sectors. The award seeks to elevate the contributions of individuals who have made lasting contributions towards achieving NMSDC’s vision of greater socioeconomic equity and generational wealth for the communities of color we serve.