Come celebrate the accomplishments of business and community leaders amid an evening of networking and incredible entertainment at the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards Gala! This annual black-tie event recognizes the leadership, innovation, and business acumen of successful local entrepreneurs. The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards program was founded in 2003 with one purpose - to recognize the top Inland Empire entrepreneurial business leaders. Since that time, we’ve honored more than 250 entrepreneurs as finalists and bestowed the coveted Spirit Award to 100 entrepreneurs. Over that time, our black-tie awards program has become the top business event in the Inland Empire Drawing entrepreneurs, business, and community leaders from every part of the two-county region, we’re proud to celebrate the entrepreneurial success stories that drive our local economy and serve as roles models for aspiring entrepreneurs.

We invite you to be a part of the process - by nominating a successful entrepreneur, becoming involved as a sponsor, or attending the event. This year, entrepreneurs will be recognized in various categories, such as: Emerging Entrepreneur, Technology Entrepreneur, Social Entrepreneur, Family Business Entrepreneur, General Entrepreneur, and Lifetime Achievement. The entrepreneurs selected will represent the “best of the best” in terms of overcoming obstacles, believing in their dreams, taking risks, and persisting in the face of long odds. They embody a spirit - the Spirit of Entrepreneurship - that is the hallmark of this great country.

As part of the event festivities, the Garner Holt Student Fast Pitch Competition is held, where future entrepreneurs deliver a 90-second pitch about their up-and-coming venture idea to the audience and are critiqued on their overall preparation, poise, and professional presentation. The top three pitches are recognized and awarded cash prizes. The fastpitch, which involves students from Cal State San Bernardino, is sponsored by local entrepreneur Garner Holt of San Bernardino. Holt's company, Garner Holt Productions, is the world's leading manufacturer of Animatronics & Animatronic Figures.

Further, the evening of celebration helps support the next generation of Inland Empire entrepreneurs! All proceeds support the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Scholarship fund and Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at California State University San Bernardino. With its nationally ranked entrepreneurship program, Cal State develops and nurtures aspiring entrepreneurs that will contribute to the future growth and sustainability of the Inland Empire.