2026 Minority and Women's Business Award


About the Award

In an effort to continue the promotion of economic growth and prosperity for all, The Business Council of New York State launched the Minority and Women's Business Award in 2022. We believe the opportunity for economic growth must be given to all employers, regardless of race or creed. The Minority and Women's Business Award was designed to honor minority, women, and LGBTQ businesses by recognizing their history and success. Businesses are nominated for the award by their state legislators.

A handful of finalists are announced each September and the award is presented at The Business Council's Annual Meeting at The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing.

2025 Winner - Female Fight Club NYC

Sponsored by

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2026 Minority and Women's Business Award Finalists

FINALIST

Hedonist Artisan Chocolates and Ice Cream | Rochester

Owner: Jennifer Posey

Nominated by: Assembly Member Harry Bronson

FINALIST

Immanuel Restaurant INC | Brooklyn

Owner: Yonayka Bryant Green

Nominated by: Assembly Member Nikki Lucas

FINALIST

Panash Catering & Events | Rosedale

Owner: Annette Runcie

Nominated by: Senator James Sanders

FINALIST

Popli Design Group | Penfield

Owner: Om Popli

Nominated by: Assembly Member Jennifer Lunsford

FINALIST

Urubamba Restaurant | Jackson Heights

Owners: Carlos and Estela Astorga

Nominated by: Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas

 

2026 Nominees

Business Location Nominator 
Blooms by Marie Albany

Assembly Member Gabriella Romero

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken New York Assembly Member Jordan Wright
Cocoas Candles Syracuse Assembly Member Pamela Hunter
Daddy's Plants Buffalo Senator Jeremy Zellner
Daises Pasteles Albany Assembly Member Gabriella Romero
El Mariachi Woodside Assembly Member Steve Raga
Fusion East LLC Brooklyn Assembly Member Nikki Lucas
Hedonist Artisan Chocolates and Ice Cream Rochester Assembly Member Harry Bronson
Himalayan Yak Jackson Heights Assembly Member Steve Raga
Hot Yoga 4 You Rockville Centre Assembly Member Judy Griffin
Hunt Companies, Inc. Argyle Assembly Member Matthew Simpson
I'm Livin B Apparel & Printing Kenmore Senator Jeremy Zellner
Immanuel Restaurant INC Brooklyn Assembly Member Nikki Lucas
KAHN Architecture New York Assembly Member Amy Paulin
Kings Combat Elmhurst Elmhurst Assembly Member Steve Raga
LandColv, LLC Syracuse Assembly Member Pamela Hunter
Lost Dog Café and Lounge
Binghamton Assembly Member Donna Lupardo
Mannix Marketing, Inc. Queensbury Assembly Member Matthew Simpson
Mimi's Coffee House Mount Kisco Assembly Member Chris Burdick
Panash Catring & Events Rosedale Senator James Sanders
Parva Coffee Jackson Heights Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas
Popli Design Group Penfield Assembly Member Jennifer Lunsford
Queen's Room Astoria Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas
Senior Relocation Partners White Plains Assembly Member Amy Paulin
Telescope Casual Furniture Granville Assembly Member Matthew Simpson
The Cheesy Chick Williamsville Senator Jeremy Zellner
The Coalhouse Grill & Food Truck Baldwin Assembly Member Judy Griffin
The Door Restaurant Jamaica Senator James Sanders
Urubamba Restaurant Jackson Heights Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas
Visual Fuel Design Malverne Assembly Member Judy Griffin