2023 AWARDS

BE RECOGNIZED FOR YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACT

IF THERE’S ONE THING WE’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT, IT’S

Recognizing people and organizations doing great things

We invite you to join us for an in-person Awards Ceremony on Friday, Oct. 27 from 4-6 p.m. CST at the Rex Theatre. The 2023 EntreCon® Awards presented by Cox Business is meant to recognize the achievements and economic impact leaders and businesses have on a community.

The categories aim to honor businesses at every stage in their life cycle, from start-ups to large corporations.

From those who have championed the cause to those who have turned adversity into success in another chapter of their lives, these awards will honor small, medium and large business owners.

The 2023 EntreCon applications have now closed – thank you to all those who took the time to vote! 

Congratulations to all of our Award Winners and Runners Up!

AWARDS SPONSOR: COX BUSINESS

Cox Business is a proud supporter of innovators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. We believe that investing in these enterprises and helping them grow is important to the future of our community.

EntreCon® provides invaluable insights for local business leaders to develop and grow, and Cox Business is honored to be an active partner in that growth.

Emerging Business of the Year

This award is open to businesses who started in the last two years and have had success introducing their product or service. Businesses recognized in this category are run by great leadership, show a promising vision for the future, and have created a mission statement that aligns with their core values.

2023 Winner:

  • Evolve Medical

2023 Runner Up:

  • Code Ninjas

Large Business of the Year

This award is open to businesses that have more than 50 employees that have been able adaptable to change over the past year, have displayed economic growth, and provide opportunities for their employees to improve their skills in an ever-changing environment.

2023 Winner:

  • Office Pride

2023 Runner Up:

  • Alyssa’s

Small Business of the Year

This award is open to businesses that have less than 50 employees that focus on employee inclusion, community involvement, and innovation in their business practices. Businesses considered for this award can clearly explain what makes their product or service unique, how they measure success, and what opportunities they provide their employees.

2023 Winner:

  • HatchMark Studio

2023 Runner Up:

  • Native Cafe

Entrepreneur of the Year

This award recognizes an entrepreneur  who has a creative product or service that solves a problem in the marketplace. They are highly ambitious, serve as community leaders, and work to improve the quality of life for others through either employment or serving others.

2023 Winner:

  • Geo Zelaya (Tacos El Fluffy)

2023 Runners Up:

  • Jessica and Kim Wolford (WolfGang, LLC)

Rodney Jackson Minority-Owned Business of the Year

This award recognizes a minority-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement while showing social responsibility, creativity, and leadership; all to improve and grow the community.

2023 Winner: 

  • National Energy USA

2023 Runner Up:

  • In Her Physique Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy & Wellness 

Non-Profit of the Year

This award recognizes a nonprofit organization that shows dedication for improving the quality of life in the community through volunteering, partnerships, or fundraising. Winners will be able to share how they have effectively used these skills to further their mission and improve the community.

2023 Winner:

  • Blues Angel Music Foundation

2023 Runner Up:

  • Positively Pensacola

Veteran-Owned Business of the Year

This award recognizes a veteran-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement while showing social responsibility, creativity, and leadership; all to improve and grow the community.

2023 Winner:

  • Dominquez Design-Build, Inc.

2023 Runner Up:

  • S&K Boutique

Excellence in mentorship award

This award recognizes a person who has dedicated themselves to helping others through mentoring. Their level of experience affords them the ability to have a significant impact on the professional development and career advancement of those they mentor. 

2023 Winner:

  • Captain Sterling Gilliam USN (Ret) – Director, National Naval Aviation Museum

Female-Owned Business of the Year

This award recognizes a women-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement while showing social responsibility, creativity, and leadership; all to improve and grow the community.

2023 Winner:

  • InHer Physique Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy & Wellness 

2023 Runner Up:

  • HatchMark Studio 

The John Myslak Award for Servant Leadership

This award is given to a leader who enriches the lives of others, builds better organizations, and ultimately helps create a more just and caring world. That is what our friend and colleague John Myslak did in our community, and we honor his memory by recognizing others who live their lives as fully as he did.

2023 Winner:

  • Nan DeStafney – Blues Angel Music, Inc.