The Grand BAME Gala
DBI Awards is created to be a respected establishment that highlights the great work BAME businesses achieve daily in Plymouth and the surrounding area. It is centered to meet this need and recognise, celebrate, and reward the success and commend improved business for BAME communities.
The Awards are proud to promote BAME excellence in business and we will continue to passionately champion business equality for all. The award is done through recognition by their peers in the community: it’s for BAME’s and presented by BAME’s. Since the event commenced in 2018, the event has seen steady increase in attendance: starting with a turnout of around 75 people, the last award ceremony saw over 200 in attendance with the only year missed being 2021 due to the pandemic. According to our numbers, this year's award is predicted to surpass the 300 mark in attendance, thus, conveying the significant interest within the BAME community to come out and celebrate the achievements of their people.
The theme of this year is a ‘’mind shift: seeing yourself differently’’. This emphasis on developing a positive, inclusive young demographic culture, where diversity is respected and valued. This is an essential aspect to attain the business ambitions over the next 10 years.
The objectives are:
To highlight the achievements being accomplished by BAME individuals and businesses.
A great networking opportunity for entrepreneurs attending as well as DBI itself to collaborate and forge new profitable business partnerships from this encounter.
To become the flagship awards ceremony for BAME business’ in Plymouth and the surrounding area.
To create a space where the BAME community can feel free to express themselves and celebrate their achievements; after the awards are handed out it’s essentially a party.
To bring together different groups in the community to socialise which in other circumstances these interactions may not occur.
How do the Awards Work?
We have Seven main awards that anyone can be nominated for: UBUNTU: my identity Award, CHAMPION Award, GIRLS TO WOMEN Award (G2W), TRAILBLAZER Award, RESILIENCE Award, FINTECH Award, and DBI Directors Awards. Nominations are collected in the months leading up to the event. Anybody can nominate. Award winners are chosen by a panel selected by DBI prior to the event, and guests including nominees and members of the BAME community are invited to attend the awards night.
The Six Awards
UBUNTU: my identity Award - A business person who actively shares their identity and culture with others. This could be through food, clothing, or just the way they interact with their customers!
CHAMPION Award - A person who uses their talent to inspire and empower others. Maybe this person mentors young people to develop their skills, or encourages people to achieve their dreams.
GIRLS TO WOMEN Award (G2W) - There can be extra pressures on female business owners, so we want to celebrate more of the women who successfully run their own businesses by giving this award each year to an outstanding female member of the BAME community. Supported by Girls To Women, a platform that empowers and develops young girls to embrace their full potential.
RESILIENCE Award - For a business or individual who helps others and supports their community, even if they have their own difficulties. Maybe this person has had problems with the running of their business, but they are always ready to help others despite their own challenges.
TRAILBLAZER Award - For a young entrepreneur (up to age 35) who has grown a business or is a future leader in the making. Has a young person inspired you by their drive and determination to achieve their dreams? Maybe this person is still on their journey, but has shown potential.
FINTECH Award - Given to an individual or a group using tech to support and encourage financial resilience, while using tech to support and encourage financial resilience in the community. Maybe they help others with managing money, or maybe they have been putting their money to good use investing in the local community.
DBI Director's Award - This award is given to an individual, group, organisation or business that champions the financial wellbeing and literacy of their community. This award is given by both DBI Directors David Feindouno and Jabo Butera.
