Anyone can nominate and be nominated regardless of membership status.
Registration opens and networking: 11:00AM
Lunch is served: 11:45AM
Program begins: 12:15PM
Closing remarks: 1:15PM
Doors close: 1:30PM
Grand Valley State University Grand Rapids Downtown
DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health
333 Michigan St NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Parking: Please park in the visitor garage (on your left once you turn off of Michigan). Parking tickets will be held at the parking box. Let the attendee know that you are there for the WMHCC event.
Upon arrival head to the registration table to find your name tag (alphabetical by FIRST name) with your table number.
Sponsored tables only. Please contact us at for details at events@westmihcc.org or 616-452-3960
Kim Hillebrand, Director of Fund Development & Investor Relations.
On Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be gather 200 leaders from across the community to an exclusive opportunity to hear from national leaders about economic trends in the Latino community in the U.S. and at a local level.
Featured Panelists:
Anyone can nominate and be nominated regardless of membership status.
Non-Profit Champion: This award is given to a not for profit organization that has made a positive contribution to the Hispanic Business community in West Michigan. This engagement can be with the business sector, entrepreneurial initiatives, education and professional growth.
Young Professional of the Year: This award is given to an outstanding Hispanic professional who has served as a role model to Hispanic professionals and youth and who has shown a strong commitment to the Hispanic community. This individual should hold a high school diploma or equivalent, possess a minimum of 2 years work experience, and should not exceed 30 years of age prior to May 2026 to qualify.
Most Promising Hispanic Business: This award is given to a Hispanic Business or Organization that is 1-3 years in continuous operation, who has the drive and ambition to determine its success and long term viability.
Emerging Hispanic Business: This award is given to a Hispanic Business or Organization that is 4-6 years in continuous operation, who has the drive and ambition to determine its success and long term viability.
Hispanic Business of the Year: This award is given to an outstanding Hispanic business, in continuous operation for 7+ years, that exhibits excellence in business growth, customer service, job creation, employee relations, and commitment to the Hispanic business community.
Hispanic Businessperson of the Year: This award is given to a Hispanic individual who has enhanced the Hispanic Community with a significant, positive contribution, or who has otherwise contributed positively to the economic development and business interests of the West Michigan area, and who serves as a positive role model.
Building Bridges: This award is given to a non-Hispanic individual who has been an advocate for our members and the Hispanic community at large by providing support and resources that align with our mission.
Nominees are contacted and have to accept or decline the invitation:
A panel of volunteer judges are selected and composed of community leaders. Judges have expertise and experience in business, entrepreneurship, and/or talent development.
Judges review and score applications based on a rubric.
Winners may only win once every 10 years per category.
2025 Winners:
2024 Winners:
2023 Winners:
2022 Winners:
2019 Winners:
2018 Winners:
2017 Winners:
2016 Winners:
2015 Winners:
We’re here to help you connect with the resources you need, If you have specific questions, contact us directly.
