Central Florida Invited to Nominate Outstanding Leaders for the 29th Annual Don Quijote Awards

Attention Central Florida: Nominations Open for Don Quijote Awards

The 29th Annual Don Quijote Awards have officially opened nominations as of May 14, 2026. This year, Prospera and the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando are calling on the local community to recognize dynamic Hispanic entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders who are making a significant impact across Central Florida. Nominations can be submitted through the awards website until July 31, 2026.

For nearly thirty years, the Don Quijote Awards have served to honor the inspiring vision, perseverance, and significant contributions of the Hispanic community within the region. Award organizers invite everyone in Central Florida to take an active role in applauding local talent and leadership, emphasizing their essential role in driving growth and innovation.

Pedro Turushina, President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, remarked, _“The Don Quijote Awards celebrate the leaders who move our community forward. We invite all of Central Florida to nominate the entrepreneurs, professionals, and changemakers whose work continues to inspire and strengthen our region. Their stories deserve to be recognized.”_

The nominations allow individuals to either submit their own names or nominate others who exemplify outstanding leadership. A selection committee—comprising local executives, past award winners, and representatives from Prospera and the Hispanic Chamber—will review all submissions, scoring throughout a thorough evaluation process.

The categories for accolades this year include:

- Hispanic Micro-Enterprise of the Year
- Hispanic Enterprise of the Year
- Professional of the Year
- Excellence Award
- Hispanic Community Champion Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award

Finalists and recipients of the distinguished Lifetime Achievement and Hispanic Community Champion awards will be unveiled during an annual press conference in November. The grandeur culminates at the 29th Annual Don Quijote Awards Gala, set to take place on December 12, 2026.

Prospera is an innovative economic development nonprofit that has dedicated itself since 1991 to offering bilingual support to entrepreneurs eager to launch, sustain, or expand their businesses. In recent years, the organization has facilitated an impressive $56.8 million in loans to small business clients while training over 17,700 entrepreneurs.

The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, recognized as one of the largest business organizations in the area, has worked tirelessly for more than three decades to advocate for the Hispanic business community. It aims to unify communities, empower Hispanic business owners, and foster economic growth across the region.

The Don Quijote Awards not only promote visibility for exceptional individuals but also strengthen the fabric of the community by celebrating the diversity and talent present in Central Florida. If you know a deserving business or individual, don't hesitate—submit your nominations before the deadline at www.donquijoteawards.com/nominations.

By recognizing these deserving individuals, you can help illuminate the inspiring stories that drive economic progress and enhance community engagement throughout Central Florida!