Ticket Sales:
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 | 6 – 9 PM | Spanish Wells Golf & Country Club | $75 – On Sale Soon
You are invited to join us and countless other SW Florida small businesses at the beautiful Spanish Wells Golf & Country Club to celebrate small businesses in SW Florida.
About the Awards:
The Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards of SWFL is held annually to celebrate entrepreneurial excellence in Southwest Florida. Southwest Florida Small Business entrepreneurs who have attained notable achievements and success in the field of entrepreneurship are recognized during this auspicious occasion. The awards recognize three Southwest Florida business owners for their business success, innovative technology, and business advocacy. 2023 marks the 11th annual celebration of local entrepreneurs.
Previous winners:
2023
Distinguished Entrepreneur: Rob Whyte of Fort Myers Brewing Company
Innovator of the Year: Jeffrey Bonk of Architectural Metal Flashings
Advocate of the Year: Malike Adigun of Curate Entertainment
2022
Distinguished Entrepreneur: Michael Peterman of VeraData
Innovator of the Year: Jaime Zabala of Advanced Hurricane Technology Inc
Advocate of the Year: Teri Hansen of Priority Marketing
2020-21
Distinguished Entrepreneur: Bill Daubmann, MY Shower Door/D3 Glass
Innovator of the Year: Reema Bhatia, Stickboy Creative/ Vectra Digital/ The Ignite Partners
Advocate of the Year: Ryan Young, Rising Tide Explorers
2019
Distinguished Entrepreneur: Ryan Carter, Scotlynn USA Division
Innovator of the Year: Brian Rist, Storm Smart
Advocate of the Year: Rafael J. Feliciano, Food idea Group
2018
Distinguished Entrepreneur: Scott Fischer, Scott Fischer Enterprises
Innovator of the Year: Jeff Poirer, AXI International
Advocate of the Year: Amanda Jaron, A. JARON Jewelry
2017
Distinguished Entrepreneur: Dr. Aurora Badia, Florida Skin Care
Innovator of the Year: Dr. Guido Minaya, Minaya Global Learning
Advocate of the Year: Brian Rist, Storm Smart
2016
Distinguished Entrepreneur: Chris Spiro, Spiro and Associates
Innovator of the Year: John Benkert, CPR Tools
Advocate of the Year: Judy Williams, Spada Day Spa and Salon
2015
Distinguished Entrepreneur: Gary K. Mart, Global Tech LED
2014
Distinguished Entrepreneur: Felix Lluberes, Position Logic
2013
Distinguished Entrepreneur: Pam Oakes, Pam’s Motor City
2012
Distinguished Entrepreneur: Norman Love, Norman Love Confections
William O. Webb Small Business Development Center Endowed Fund Proceeds from this fund are used to provide support to a small business owner in Southwest Florida who is working with the Small Business Development Center.
William O. Webb Scholarship Winners:
20-21 – Larry Barris, Larry’s Cheesecake Co.
2019 – Dr. Lindsay Pursglove, Swimtastic
2018 – Melody Augustin, The Makeup Mansion.
2017 – A & E Auto Repair
2016 – Ande and Shane Grant, Noela Chocolate and Confections
This Year’s Judges:
The Florida SBDC extends its thanks and gratitude to our judges for their expertise and time to select the next Distinguished Entrepreneur of SW Florida.
Donna Flammang, Partner at Brennan Manna Diamond;
Tim Cartwright, Managing Director of Compass Advisory Group – Partner at Fifth Avenue Advisors;
Bill Daubmann, MY Shower Door/D3 Glass & 20-21 Distinguished Entrepreneur;
Micheal Peterman, VeraData & 2022 DE Winner
This Year’s emcee is mike jackson
Mike currently serves as President of the Board of CareerSource Southwest Florida, recognized as one of the most effective of Florida’s 24 non-profit workforce development boards, connecting employers with qualified, skilled talent, and Floridians with employment and career development opportunities
Thank you hallmark sponsor
hallmark sponsor
This event would not be possible without the support of our Hallmark Sponsor, for the 11th year in a row, Markham Norton Mostellar Wright & Company. At Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A., you can expect a different kind of financial services experience.
Thank you Sponsors:
silver sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
media sponsor
vip networking reception sponsor
