The Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center announced the winners of its 33rd Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards.
“We are welcoming another exemplary class of companies and individuals who have amazing stories,” said NW-ISBDC Regional Director Lorri Feldt in a press release. “Their accomplishments are so diverse as the companies recognized have been in business from three to 99 years.”
More than 200 entrepreneurs have earned E-Day awards during the tradition that began in 1991.
The Class of 2024 will be celebrated Nov. 13 at Avalon Manor, 3550 E. Lincoln Hwy., in Merrillville. Ticket sales end Nov. 6.
Award winners include:
- Small Business Person of the Year: DJ Moore, Erosion & Construction Solutions, dba Siltworm, Merrillville
- Entrepreneurial Success: Shaun O’Brien and Shaun Ensign, Legacy Sign, Westville
- Minority-Owned Business of the Year: Michelle Wainwright, Cute as a Cupcake! Cupcakery & Bakery, Merrillville
- Women-Owned Business of the Year: Drew Sarkisian, Modern Edge LLC, Valparaiso
- Family-Owned Business of the Year: Edward Garza, El Popular Inc., East Chicago
- Young Entrepreneur: Ben Montgomery, Yaggy Road Roasting Co., Valparaiso
- Advocate for Youth Entrepreneurship: Ken Barry, The Uthiverse, Merrillville
- Small Business Advocate: Wade Breitzke, WeCreate Media/Lower Lincoln, Valparaiso
- Emerging Business: Jamie Panicali, Gratefully Painted LLC, Hammond
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Larry Evans, Hoeppner, Wagner & Evans LLP, Valparaiso and Merrillville
“Our team always enjoys learning more about the myriad of industries that our honorees span – from coffee roasting and cupcakes to erosion control and landscaping,” Feldt said. “Their paths to business ownership and how they overcome challenges are always inspiring and motivational.”
The luncheon will include videos that profile the winners.
The NW-ISBDC counsels companies that are just starting or growing on relevant business topics. It is one of 10 regional offices in Indiana and is based at Purdue University Northwest.
