FLORIDA SBDC AT FGCU ANNOUNCES 2026
DISTINGUISHED ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS
PREMIER EVENT RETURNS MAY 6, 2026, FOLLOWING RECORD-SETTING 2025 CELEBRATION
FORT MYERS, FL — Following a record-setting year marked by unprecedented
attendance, sponsorship, and regional engagement, the Florida Small Business Development Center
at FGCU announces the 14th Annual Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards, to be held on Wednesday,
May 6, 2026, at the Cohen Student Union Ballroom on the campus of Florida Gulf Coast University.
Held annually during National Small Business Week, the Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards
recognize Southwest Florida business leaders whose innovation, leadership, and community impact
continue to shape the region’s economic future. The 2025 event welcomed hundreds of business
owners, civic leaders, and community partners, setting new benchmarks for participation and
reaffirming the Awards as one of Southwest Florida’s most significant celebrations of
entrepreneurship.
Now in its fourteenth year, the Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards serve as a defining platform for
honoring individuals and businesses that demonstrate excellence, resilience, and long-term vision.
Honorees represent a broad cross-section of industries and backgrounds, united by a shared
commitment to growth, service, and regional prosperity. The program not only celebrates
achievement but also highlights the essential role small businesses play in building a strong, locally
driven economy.
Awards are presented across three primary categories:
Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year — Recognizing an established business leader whose
company delivers a creative or essential product or service, demonstrates sustained growth, and
shows a clear capacity for innovation and adaptation.
Servant Leader — Honoring an individual whose commitment to mentorship, advocacy, and
community engagement has strengthened the Southwest Florida small business environment and
supported long-term economic vitality.
Emerging Business — Recognizing a business founded within the past three years that has shown
early success, a strong mission, and demonstrated leadership potential.
The 2026 Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards will once again bring together entrepreneurs,
community leaders, sponsors, and supporters for an evening of recognition, connection, and
reflection on the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to move Southwest Florida forward. Building on
last year’s momentum, the upcoming ceremony is expected to draw strong attendance and continued
regional engagement.
Nominations and Tickets for the 2026 Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards and are now available for
submission and purchase.
General Admission: $75
Attendance is limited, and the event is expected to sell out.
For tickets, nominations, and additional event details, visit:
sbdc.fgcu.edu/events/distinguished-entrepreneur-awards-2026/
For media inquiries or additional information, contact:
Anthony Myles
Marketing Coordinator
[email protected]
239-745-3725
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About the Florida SBDC at FGCU:
The FSBDC at FGCU offers one-on-one, confidential, no-cost consulting and low-cost workshops for businesses throughout
Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties. The state designates the Florida SBDC Network as Florida’s principal
provider of business assistance. The FSBDC at FGCU is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service funded in
part through cooperative agreements with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida,
various private and public partners, and is hosted by Florida Gulf Coast University and nationally accredited by the Association
of SBDCs. For more information, visit: sbdc.fgcu.edu/events/distinguished-entrepreneur-awards-2026