In a “Roaring ‘20s” themed event, the Metropolitan Business League recognized area entrepreneurs at the 33rd Annual MBL Awards Dinner & Reception. Nearly 500 guests attended the March 10 affair at the Altria Theater.

The nonprofit, membership-based business association was founded in 1968 with the vision of empowering small, women-owned and minority-owned businesses through relationship building, education, advocacy and access to resources.

Honoree James Ukrop, co-founder of Richmond-based venture capital firm NRV, was presented with the Oliver Singleton Humanitarian Award by MBL’s president and CEO, Floyd E. Miller II.

“It is indeed a pleasure to be honored by the Metropolitan Business League with this award,” Mr. Ukrop said when accept- ing the award. “Best wishes to the MBL for much success as you continue to grow and provide needed advice, counsel and financial support to your members.”

Other award recipients during the evening included:

Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Eboni Jones, owner - Tint My Ride 804, and Vanessa Terry, owner - Notary 2 Notary

Youth of the Year: Enzo Mason, owner - BLUE by Enzo

Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year: Marcy Thornhill, owner - Mrs. Marcy’s Homemades

Master Entrepreneur of the Year: Bernard Robinson, CEO - Networking Technologies+ Support

Trailblazing Partnership of the Year: Dyshahn Robinson, owner - Royal Flush Plumbing and Colonial Webb

City of Richmond Minority Business of the Year: Michael Hopkins, owner - M Companies

Non-Profit of the Year: Girls For A Change, Angela Patton

Social Vision of the Year: Ayanna McMullen, Founder - The Network Incubator and Ashley Williams, owner - BareSOUL Yoga.

Vision of Excellence: Capital One

MBL People’s Choice Award: Rita Ricks, owner - Rita Ricks, LLC

MBL Member of the Year: Antonio Miller