Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards
Celebrating the Entrepreneurial Spirit in the Inland Empire!
In 2003, the Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University San Bernardino, founded the annual "Spirit of the Entrepreneur" Awards Program in the Inland Empire. Now in its 23rd 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.
Nominations are being accepted for the 2025 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards! Nominate the inspiring and innovative entrepreneurs that bring impact to our empire!
Now YOU can be a part of the 'Oscars of Business'. Volunteer today!
Honoring Our Top Entrepreneurs - Each and Every Year!
Celebrating Entrepreneurial Leaders of the Inland Empire
View Award Recipients
Relive an Evening of Celebration!
View Spirit Photo Gallery
The Final Stage for the Garner Holt Student Fast Pitch Competition
Learn More - Fast Pitch at the Spirit Awards
The Spirit Scholarship is Investing in Future Entrepreneurs
Give to the Spirit Scholars - Fast Pitch at the Spirit AwardsEach year, nearly 1000 business and community leaders attend the gala to celebrate our local champions at the Spirit Awards at the Riverside Convention Center! See all the award recipients from last year's momentous event!
/ View the Spirit Photo Gallery - 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.
/ Spirit Scholars - Since the creation of the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund in 2003, over $280,000 in scholarships have been awarded to students to assist them in achieving their entrepreneurial degree!
/ Entrepreneur Garner Holt - The top 5 finalists from the Garner Holt Student Fast Pitch Competition take the Spirit stage to deliver their final 90-second pitch LIVE to the Spirit gala guests consisting of the top business owners in the Inland Empire!