The Kansas Department of Commerce Office of Minority and Women Business Development has announced its 34th Annual Minority and Women Business Awards as part of 2018 Kansas Minority Enterprise Development Week.

Eleven businesses and two individuals honored are based in the Kansas City area, highlighting the metro’s cultivation of diverse entrepreneurs.

The awards, given each fall, highlight minority- and women-owned businesses that “exhibit outstanding achievements in their respective industries.” Awards are chosen from nominations, and businesses will be recognized at a luncheon Oct. 11 at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Topeka.

Award recipients of minority-owned businesses include MASS Medical Storage LLC, Lenexa; The AGA Group LLC, Overland Park; Leeway Franks LLC, Lawrence; Veracity Consulting Inc., Overland Park; and Mi Rancho Tequila, Kansas City, Kan.

Award recipients of women-owned businesses include Sorella Group Inc., Lenexa; Mid Star Lab Inc., Tonganoxie; A.S.K. Associates Inc., Lawrence; Candle Queen Candles, Leavenworth; Exterior Lifestyles by Design LLC, Overland Park; and International Express Trucking Inc., Kansas City, Kan.

Additionally, Cathy Weaver of Miracles With Water in Mission will be recognized as the Women Business Advocate of the Year, and Samuel Garcia, of Larkin & Garcia Funeral Care in Kansas City, Kan., will be honored with the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

“Minority- and women-owned businesses are an integral part of the Kansas economy,” said Robert North, interim secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce. “The minority and women business owners across our state represent the very best of Kansas employers and entrepreneurs. We greatly value their numerous contributions and role in keeping our state’s economy strong.”

The Office of Minority and Women Business Development aids in business development, identifying resources for financing and establishing contacts in the public and private sectors. The office is responsible for certifying minority- and women-owned businesses as small disadvantaged businesses for procurement and subcontracting opportunities.

Register at the awards luncheon at KansasCommerce.gov/MEDWeek.