La Plaza Delaware and the Delaware Alliance of Latino Entrepreneurs hosted the inaugural Evening with the Stars New Year’s Gala & Awards event Jan. 10 at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.

The sold-out celebration brought together Latino business owners, community leaders, media partners and supporters to recognize excellence, leadership and the growing impact of the Latino business community of Southern Delaware.

During the evening, La Plaza announced and presented awards to the top Latino-owned businesses across eight industry categories. The awards were community-driven, with businesses nominated and voted on by the public. In just the second phase of voting, more than 14,000 ballots were cast, resulting in 38 Top 5 finalists recognized and celebrated during the gala.

In addition to business awards, La Plaza Delaware also recognized journalists, radio hosts and social media influencers who have worked throughout the year to amplify Latino voices, share community stories, and provide consistent coverage of Latino businesses and initiatives across the state.

Highlighting the rich cultural traditions and energy of the Latino community, the program included live performances by Ballet Folklórico Yaretzi and local musical artists including Dilmar Perez y Su Nueva Leyenda and Grupo Terranova.

La Plaza Delaware is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing opportunity, business capacity and prosperity for Latino- and minority-owned businesses in Southern Delaware. Through training, coaching, leadership development and community events, La Plaza and its affiliate business network, the Delaware Alliance of Latino Entrepreneurs, continue to support a growing and dynamic sector of the state’s economy.