Against the backdrop of the Altria Theater Ballroom and a crowd of more than 500 guests, local businesses got their moment in the spotlight for the impactful work they’re doing in the RVA region. The 34th Annual Metropolitan Business League Awards Dinner & Reception was held Friday, March 8. The winners were announced recently by the nonprofit membership-based business association.

“More than 90 entrepreneurs were nominated for their work in the community and strengthening our business ecosystem. The judges had an extremely tough task of deciding who would walk away with the awards in 14 categories,” MBL’s Director of Strategic Events Darricka Alexander said.

The following recipients were honored:

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (tie): Isaiah Aminzia of Lovely Lawns

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (tie): J.T. Logan of Fourdeep

Trailblazing Partnership: Dr. Kim Evans and Dr. Addie Briggs of fitness Dawgs and Hopewell City Public Schools

Social Vision Award: Shemicia Bowen of Richmond Black Restaurant Experience

Nonprofit of the Year: Bridging Virginia

Vision of Excellence: Virginia Housing

Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year: Danielle Taylor of Strategic Disruption Consulting

City of Richmond Minority Business of the Year: Carol Walker Reese of Reesources, Inc.

Youth Entrepreneur of the Year (tie): Christian Washington of Cookies & Crust

Youth Entrepreneur of the Year (tie): J’ana Price of Price Solutions

Mbl Member of the Year: Eboni Jones of Tint My Ride 804

People’s Choice Award: of James Henson, Jr. of HDH Printing

Master Entrepreneur of the Year: Kelvin Hanson of the Hanson Company

Oliver Singleton Humanitarian Award: Gary Flowers of Gary Flowers & Associates, LLC