2026 Young Entrepreneur Award & Rising Star Award

This is one application for two awards. Both celebrate the boldness, creativity, and drive of young Black entrepreneurs in Greater Houston who are already building something — whether they are 15 or 25. Select the award you are applying for below based on your age, then complete the rest of the form in your own voice. There are no wrong answers here. We want to hear your story.

Step 1: Select Your Award

Award

Section 1: Your Personal Information

Name(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY
If applicable — include grade level, school name, college, or trade program.
Home Address(Required)

Parent / Guardian Information — Required for Applicants Under 18

If you are 18 or older, you may skip this section.
Parent / Guardian Full Name
Parent / Guardian Consent

Section 2: Company Details

Business Address (if different from your home address)
Is your business an Active Member of GHBC?(Required)
Primary Industry / Sector(Required)

Who do you primarily sell to or serve?(Required)
Current Revenue Stage(Required)
Has your business received any outside support or funding?(Required)

Don't worry if you don't have formal documentation yet — include whatever you have. Accepted: PDF, DOC, DOCX | Max: 32 MB
Max. file size: 32 MB.

Section 3: Your Story

This is your chance to shine. Don't overthink it — just be real. The committee wants to hear from YOU, in your own words. There are no right or wrong answers.
Keep it clear and specific. What makes your idea worth paying attention to?
What was the moment, the idea, or the frustration that made you say — I'm going to build this? Maximum 250 words recommended.
This could be your first sale, a big opportunity, a lesson learned, or anything that made you feel like you were on the right track. Maximum 250 words recommended.
Being a young entrepreneur is not easy. What obstacles have you pushed through? Maximum 250 words recommended.
Dream big. What does success look like to you? Maximum 250 words recommended.
Think about the impact beyond the product or service itself. Maximum 250 words recommended.
This is personal — share what it means to you to be building something at this stage of your life. Maximum 250 words recommended.
Say it with confidence. This is your moment. Maximum 250 words recommended.

Section 4: Leadership & Community

List anything you are part of — formal or informal.
Include school awards, pitch competition placements, social media features, local press, etc. It is okay if this is your first nomination.
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 32 MB.
    Accepted: PNG, JPG, PDF | Max: 32 MB
    Max. file size: 32 MB.
    May include letters of commendation, press clippings, financial reports, marketing materials. Note: all submitted materials become the property of GHBC and will not be returned. If files are too large to attach, email to pinnacle@ghbcc.com. Accepted: PDF, DOC, DOCX | Max: 25 MB
    Drop files here or
    Max. file size: 32 MB.

      Section 5: GHBC Support

      What professional development or business resources would benefit you most?(Required)
      Select all that apply.
      How did you hear about this award?(Required)
      Select all that apply.

      Section 6: Gala Guest Contacts

      List up to three people — a mentor, teacher, community leader, or supporter — who you would like us to invite to the Pinnacle Awards Gala in your honor.
      Contact 1
      Contact 2
      Contact 3

      Terms & Conditions

      Young Entrepreneur & Rising Star Awards — Terms & Conditions

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