Florida SBDC at FGCU Announces 2026 Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards
FORT MYERS, FL — [March 26, 2026] 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 amyles@fgcu.edu 239-745-3725
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
