Anyone can nominate and be nominated regardless of membership status.
2026 Edition (2nd Mercadito)
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026, 4:00–7:00 PM
1530 Madison Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Free
Valentine’s Mercadito is a community pop-up market organized by the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (WMHCC), featuring multiple vendors offering Valentine’s-themed products, gifts, crafts, and services.
The event supports Latino/Hispanic small businesses and provides community engagement, visibility, and networking opportunities.
Purpose:
Background:
The first edition of this event evolved from a former pop-up operated by the Latina Network of West Michigan (LNWM), originally known as the Colibrí Valentine’s Pop-Up.
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:
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