2025 Best Asian Business Awards
It’s time to submit your nominations!
What is the Best Asian Business Awards?
Launched at our 25th Anniversary last year, the Best Asian Business Awards is proudly continuing as a signature tradition of the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC).
This is about more than restaurants—it’s about showcasing the full diversity of Asian-owned businesses across multiple industries. The Awards were created to raise awareness of the incredible range of Asian-owned businesses in our community, celebrating not just food and beverage companies but also the wide breadth of enterprises and professionals making an impact.
These awards honor outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership while highlighting the vital role Asian businesses play in our region’s economic growth and cultural vibrancy.
Awards Presentation
Winners will be announced and celebrated at the Asian Business Awards Gala: Gilded in Jade & Gold on November 6th. This unforgettable evening will bring together community leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to honor the achievements of Asian-owned businesses across the Carolinas. Surrounded by elegance and cultural pride, the Gala will showcase the impact of these award recipients while inspiring future generations to continue building a thriving and inclusive business community.
Best Asian Business Awards Timeline
Official Rules
Please read regarding eligiblity, nominations, voting, awards, and more.
Eligibility
Nominations are open to the public.
Businesses may nominate themselves or be nominated by others.
Nominees must be located in North Carolina or South Carolina.
Businesses may be nominated in more than one category.
Businesses that have won in the last 3 years are not eligible.
Nominations
All nominations must be submitted by the posted deadline.
Incomplete or late nominations will not be accepted.
All nominations will be reviewed by the CAACC Awards Committee for eligibility before being added to the voting pool.
Voting
Voting is open to the public once voting opens.
Each person may cast one vote per category (duplicate or fraudulent votes will not be counted).
Votes must be submitted by the posted deadline.
Awards
Final winners will be determined by a combination of public voting and committee review to ensure fairness.
All decisions by the CAACC Awards Committee are final.
Winners will be announced at the Asian Business Awards Gala: Gilded in Jade & Gold on November 6, 2025.
Nominations Are Closed!
Time to cast your votes!
Best "Small Business" of the Year
Best "Community Impact" Award
Best "Cultural Leadership" Award
Best "Emerging Entrepreneur" of the Year
Best "Established Business" of the Year
Best "New Business" of the Year
Best "Professional Services" of the Year
Best "Retail Business" of the Year
Best "Beauty, Health, & Wellness" of the Year
Best "Artist" of the Year
Beacon of Belonging Award
Small to Mid-Size Organizations
Employee Size: 10–249
Purpose
Honors organizations that exemplify workplace inclusion—where employees of all backgrounds feel valued, respected, and empowered—while actively engaging and supporting diverse communities.
Criteria
- Clear commitment to DEIB in mission, values, and policies.
- Measurable initiatives advancing equity and opportunity for underrepresented groups.
- Employee programs fostering belonging and psychological safety.
- Leadership accountability and representation reflective of the community.
- Positive impact on employees and organizational culture.
- Active partnerships or initiatives benefiting diverse communities.
- Programs or volunteer efforts promoting inclusion, equity, and cultural awareness beyond the organization.
Pinnacle of Inclusion Award
Mid to Large Organizations
Employee Size: 250+
Purpose
Honors organizations that lead at the highest level in embedding inclusion and equity across all operations, while actively uplifting diverse communities in Charlotte.
Criteria
- Comprehensive DEIB strategies integrated into hiring, promotion, and retention.
- Programs and resource groups amplifying diverse employee voices.
- Commitment to leadership diversity and equitable advancement pathways.
- Transparent tracking and reporting of DEIB progress and results.
- Broad organizational and community impact.
- Strong partnerships or sponsorships with local organizations advancing inclusion and equity.
- Initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for underrepresented or marginalized groups in the broader community.
