Honoring our past, celebrating our present, and boldly shaping our future.
Est. 1935
91
Years of legacy
A tribute to 91 years of Black business excellence, leadership, and legacy in Houston.
01 — Opens
May 15
Nominations are open. Submit your application.
02 — Deadline
July 15
Submission closes at 12:00 pm CST. No late entries.
03 — Kickoff
Aug 31
All finalists announced at the Kickoff Reception.
04 — Gala
Nov 14
Winners take the stage at the Awards Gala
August 31, 2026
Kickoff Reception
Celebrate Black Business Month with an inspiring evening that announces the nominees for the Pinnacle Awards and launches our season of celebration.
The Podium at Porsche River Oaks
4007B Greenbriar Dr, Houston, TX 77098
November 14, 2026
Awards Gala
Join us to celebrate excellence as we announce the 2026 Pinnacle Award winners, honoring Houston’s top African American businesses.
Bayou City Event Center
9401 Knight Rd, Houston, TX 77045
Event Chairs
The success of Pinnacle Season is made possible through the support of partners,organizations and leaders who believe in the importance of investing in Black business growth, visibility, and long-term sustainability.
Honorary Chairs
Kevan & Ayesha Shelton
Entrepreneurs and advocates for wealth-building and homeownership.
Co-Chair
Derek Robinson
GHBC Board Member & Founder of Black Restaurant Week
Co-Chair
Kim Roxie
GHBC Board Member & Founder, LAMIK Beauty
Nominations are open
Submit your application and become part of Houston’s most enduring legacy of Black business excellence. Win or not, participating puts your brand in front of Houston’s top business leaders and partners.
Our Awards
Nominations are open. Submission closes July 15, 2026, at 12:00 pm CST. No late entries.
01 - Open
May 15, 2026
02 - Deadline
July 15, 2026
03 - Finalist
August 31, 2026
04 - Winners
November 14, 2026
Pinnacle Award
Black-Owned Business Excellence
The flagship award of the Pinnacle Awards program. Recognizes an outstanding Black-owned business in Greater Houston that demonstrates excellence across business performance, innovation, community impact, and economic contribution. This award celebrates businesses that are not only thriving — but actively lifting up the community around them and building Black wealth for the next generation.
Eligibility
At least 51% Black-owned, for-profit, headquartered in Greater Houston, with a minimum of 2 years in operation. GHBC membership is required if selected as a finalist.
Mack H. Hannah, Jr. Upstart Award
Promising Business — Under 2 Years Old
Named in honor of Mack H. Hannah, Jr., a pioneering Houston businessman and civic leader. This award recognizes a Black-owned business that is under two years old yet already demonstrating remarkable innovation, bold vision, and strong potential for long-term success. It celebrates the courage it takes to build something from nothing — and honors the entrepreneurs laying the foundation for the next generation of Black business excellence in Houston.
Eligibility
At least 51% Black-owned, for-profit, headquartered in Greater Houston, with a minimum of 2 years in operation. GHBC membership is required if selected as a finalist.
Mickey Leland Public Leadership Award
Nonprofit Organization
Named in honor of U.S. Congressman Mickey Leland of Houston, whose life’s work was a testament to service, courage, and advocacy for the most vulnerable. This award recognizes a nonprofit organization advancing equity and expanding access for marginalized communities through impactful direct service, policy work, or both. It honors organizations doing the sustained, often invisible work of creating a more just Houston — and whose impact reaches far beyond the communities they serve.
Eligibility
Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, headquartered or primarily operating in Greater Houston, minimum 2 years in operation, serving marginalized or underserved communities. Open to any nonprofit regardless of leadership demographics. GHBC membership required if selected.
Endurance Award
Sustainable Business of 20+ Consecutive Years
Honors a long-standing Black-owned Houston business that exemplifies resilience, consistency, and deep community impact. Twenty or more years in business is not an accident — it is the result of hard decisions, enduring relationships, and an unwillingness to quit. This award celebrates businesses that have kept their doors open, their people employed, and their communities served through every economic cycle, crisis, and change — and who are now giving back and passing the torch to the next generation.
Eligibility
At least 51% Black-owned, for-profit, headquartered in Greater Houston, with a minimum of 2 years in operation. GHBC membership is required if selected as a finalist.
Rising Star Award
Rising Star: Ages 18–25
The Rising Star Award recognizes entrepreneurs aged 18 to 25 who are making bold strides in business or community leadership. Awards celebrate the next generation of Black business builders in Greater Houston — and send a clear message that the future of Black economic power is already here. Award recipient receives a $1,500 grant to invest back into their business.
Eligibility
Black-owned business or entrepreneurial venture, applicant located in Greater Houston, within the applicable age range.GHBC membership required if selected as finalist.
Young Entrepreneur Award
Young Entrepreneur: Under 18
The Young Entrepreneur Award honors business owners under 18 who are already demonstrating early innovation, creativity, and leadership. Award celebrates the next generation of Black business builders in Greater Houston — and send a clear message that the future of Black economic power is already here. Award recipient receives a $1,500 grant to invest back into their business.
Eligibility
Black-owned business or entrepreneurial venture, applicant located in Greater Houston, within the applicable age range. Parent/guardian consent required for applicants under 18. GHBC membership required if selected as finalist.
Application FAQ
How important is storytelling in my entry?
It’s essential. Judges come from diverse backgrounds and may not know your journey. Clearly share who you are, the challenges you’ve faced, and how you’ve overcome them — backed by measurable results. A compelling story is what makes an application unforgettable.
How much time should I set aside to complete my entry?
Plan for several days to a few weeks. Writing and refining your narrative is the most time-intensive part. Involve your team to help gather data, brainstorm success stories, and review drafts. A well-prepared submission reflects the professionalism of your brand.
Can I review the application before submitting?
Yes — applications are available to review in advance so you can prepare your strongest entry. Visit the application link for your award category to get started.
Is applying worth the effort?
Absolutely. These awards are a powerful platform to validate your hard work, strengthen your reputation, and open doors to new business opportunities. Whether you’re a finalist or a winner, participating gives you visibility among Houston’s top business leaders and partners.
When do applications open and what is the deadline?
Applications open Friday, May 15, 2026. All entries must be submitted by Friday, July 24, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, so plan ahead and submit early.
Who judges the awards?
A distinguished panel of respected business and community leaders from the Houston area. The GHBC Awards Committee oversees the process to ensure fairness, transparency, and alignment with the Chamber’s mission.
How are entries evaluated?
Every entry is reviewed independently by at least two judges, each scoring on a scale of 1 to 10. Judges assess narrative clarity, impact, leadership, innovation, and community contributions. The highest total score in each category determines the winner.
Can I appeal a judge’s decision?
No. All decisions regarding eligibility, finalists, and winners are final and made at the sole discretion of the judging panel. We encourage all applicants to focus on submitting their strongest possible entry.
Tickets & Tables
Secure your seat at the 29th Annual Pinnacle Awards Gala — Houston’s premier celebration of Black business excellence. Tickets are limited — reserve your spot early.
Kickoff Reception General Admission
- Includes admission for one (1) to the Kickoff Reception
- Light bites and drinks included
- August 31, 2026 · The Podium at Porsche River Oaks
$50
Awards Gala General Admission
- Includes admission for one (1) to the Awards Gala
- Cocktail hour, three-course dinner, and awards program
- November 14, 2026 · Bayou City Event Center
$350
Best Value
Full Series "Pinnacle Bundle"
- Includes Admission for one (1) to the Kickoff Reception
- Admission for one (1) to the Awards Gala
- One-year GHBC membership included
$500
Awards Gala "Reserved Table"
- Includes Reserved table for ten (10) at the Awards Gala
- Full dinner service and cocktail hour
- Priority seating and program recognition
$3,500
Partnerships
Join the Greater Houston Black Chamber as a sponsor of the 2026 Pinnacle Celebration — a multi-event tribute to 91 years of advocacy and Black business success in Houston. As a sponsor, your brand aligns with a legacy of impact and connects with a powerful network of entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders. Your support drives economic mobility, amplifies Black voices, and shapes the future of business in Greater Houston.
Ready to invest in Houston's future?
Support Houston’s legacy. Invest in Houston’s future. Contact us to learn more about custom sponsorship packages and opportunities.
Thanks To Our Sponsors
