12th Annual Crowns of Enterprise Awards Program Recognizes Local Certified Minority, Women, Small Business Enterprises

Crowns of Enterprise header images for news stories with the Crown logo

In celebration of Small Business Month, 7 local businesses were honored at the 12th Annual Crowns of Enterprise Awards ceremony on May 11, 2023. 

Hosted by the Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development and City of Charlotte Business INClusion, the program recognizes businesses demonstrating exemplary leadership and sound business strategies. This year’s event honored outstanding businesses in the following categories for 2023:

  • Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) of the Year 

  • Certified Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) of the Year

  • Certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE) of the Year

  • Prime Contractor of the Year

  • Diversity Advocate of the Year 

  • Media Personality/Outlet of the Year

  • Rising Star of the Year 

Hosts Keisha A. Rivers and Bobby Robinson presided over the ceremony which included remarks from Mecklenburg County Commission Chairman George Dunlap (District 3), Mecklenburg County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell (District 6), Mayor Pro Tem Braxton Winston and City Council Member Malcolm Graham.

The award winners are as follows:  

  • Certified Minority Business Enterprise of the Year for 2023 - Marand Builders, Inc 

  • Certified Woman Business Enterprise of the Year for 2023 - Platinum Coating Pink, Inc 

  • Certified Small Business Enterprise of the Year for 2023 - Zaja PR 

  • Prime Contractor of the Year for 2023 - Humanity Communications Collective 

  • Diversity Advocate of the Year for 2023 - Bryan Delaney 

  • Media Personality/Outlet of the Year for 2023 – Kristen Miranda WBTV 

  • Rising Star of the Year for 2023 - Alma HVAC, LLC

About the Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development

The Office of Economic Development is the lead organization responsible for recruiting and retaining businesses, stimulating small business vitality and promoting Mecklenburg County. It has accomplished this through partnerships with business resource providers and community organizations as well as the seven communities that comprise Mecklenburg County. Visit our website for more information on our programs