Nominations are open for the annual Entrepreneurial Excellence (E-Day) Awards.
Presented by the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center, the program is now in its 31st year. This year’s event will celebrate entrepreneurs and their advocates and introduce a new category, Advocate for Youth Entrepreneurship.
“The role of entrepreneur continues to evolve, and our honorees consistently readjust and integrate into the current business climate,” said Lorri Feldt, NW-ISBDC regional director. “Our team and E-Day board look forward to showcasing our Class of 2022.”
She said youth entrepreneurs are at the root of the next generation of innovators.
“By recognizing those who nurture these young adults, we are laying the foundation for even more trailblazers,” Feldt said. “We are thrilled to expand our youth-based awards.”
Information on the 2021 honorees is available on the NW-ISBDC website dedicated to the program. Last year’s winners also were featured in the December-January 2022 edition of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.
Nomination packets will be accepted through Aug. 24 and are available online at edayleaders.com or by calling the Northwest ISBDC office at (219) 644-3513.
Award categories include: small business person of the year, entrepreneurial success, small business exporter, young entrepreneur, minority-owned small business person, family-owned business, emerging small business, small business advocate and advocate for youth entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurs with a three-year track record and great growth potential in the seven-county Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center area of Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Jasper, Starke, Pulaski and Newton counties are eligible. The nomination process is open to the public.
Winners will be celebrated during a luncheon event Oct. 26 at the Avalon Manor in Hobart.
Feldt said E-Day has always been a special event for the entrepreneurial community.
“It has become even more special as many businesses have faced challenges over the last few years and celebrating their accomplishments brings a positivity that is definitely needed,” she said. “Our team is honored to have the opportunity to continue the tradition that E-Day has turned into for more than 30 years.”
