Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards

Celebrating the Entrepreneurial Spirit in the Inland Empire!

In 2003, the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at California State University San Bernardino, founded the annual "Spirit of the Entrepreneur" Awards Program in the Inland Empire. Now in its 16th year, the awards are a reflection of our passionate belief that the Inland Empire community should honor and reward the entrepreneurial men and women who innovate, take risks and build businesses that contribute significantly to our local economy.

The Best in Business of the Inland Empire

Last year over 900 attendees celebrated our local champions at the Spirit Awards at the Riverside Convention Center! See all the award recipients from last year's momentous event!
View Award Recipients - See all the previous award recipients
Relive an Evening of Celebration!

Did you attend the Spirit Awards in a previous year? Or are you curious about what to expect? Check out the Spirit Gallery, where we've captured the best moments from the red carpet to the after party.
View Gallery - The Spirit Gallery documents the best of the awards
The Final Stage for the Fast Pitch Competition

The top 5 finalists from the Garner Holt Student Fast Pitch Competition take the Spirit stage to deliver their final 90-second pitch to 900 guests consisting of the top business owners in the Inland Empire!
Learn More - The final stage in the fast pitch competition
The Spirit Scholarship is Investing in Future Entrepreneurs

Since the creation of the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund in 2003, over $170,000 in scholarships have been awarded to students to assist them in achieving their entrepreneurial degree!
Learn More - The Spirit Scholarship is investing in future entrepreneurs

Sponsorship Opportunities

Celebrate entrepreneurial success while aligning your brand with the top professionals of the Inland Empire by partnering as a sponsor! Explore the opportunities & contact Mike Stull at mstull@csusb.edu for more information.

Volunteer

Students, the Spirit Awards is an excellent opportunity to be involved with impacting your local professional community. See how you can contribute! Volunteer opportunities are available on multiple dates - Sign Up!

Ticketing is Now Open!

Get your Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards VIP and gala tickets now! Secure your seats for the biggest black-tie event of the year on November 13th, 2019 at the Riverside Convention Center!