★ 30TH ANNUAL ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARDS ★
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Nominate an Outstanding Business

Celebrating the people building businesses across Benton & Franklin Counties. Know someone worth honoring? Put their name forward.

Multiple awards will be presented, recognizing outstanding entrepreneurs, businesses, and leaders making an impact throughout our region.

Awards will be presented on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Richland Riverfront Hotel.

Tickets to the awards luncheon will be available soon.

Luncheon Tue, Oct. 20, 2026
Richland Riverfront Hotel Noon – 1:30 PM
Nominations Close Friday, Sept. 11

STEP 1 OF 2 · WHAT ARE YOU NOMINATING FOR?

Entrepreneur/Business of the Year

A young, growing company making its mark. Five regional winners selected.

the sam volpentest Entrepreneurial Leadership award

For a visionary leader who has shaped the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. 

Nominating someone for both? Submit one form for each — the two awards use different criteria.

Hosted by Richland Rotary & Fuse · Presented by Strong Racing · Questions? Contact the committee.

STEP 2 OF 2 · NOMINATION DETAILS
ENTREPRENEUR / BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Tell us about the business

Eligibility. To qualify for Entrepreneur / Business of the Year, the business must:
  • Have fewer than 15 employees
  • Have been in business 7 years or less
  • Be located within Benton or Franklin County

WHO YOU'RE NOMINATING

WHY THEY SHOULD WIN

PHOTO & LOGO — both required

ABOUT YOU (THE PERSON NOMINATING)

Deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026

STEP 2 OF 2 · NOMINATION DETAILS
SPECIAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

Tell us about this leader

About the award. This honors an individual leader, not limited by company size or age. The nominee should:
  • Be a leader in their region who has inspired others.
  • Have contributed to entrepreneurship as an entrepreneur or by fostering it through jobs, companies, mentorships, investments, programs, or services.
  • Be creative, self motivated, and a visionary.

WHO YOU'RE NOMINATING

WHY THEY DESERVE THE AWARD

PHOTO — required

ABOUT YOU (THE PERSON NOMINATING)

Deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026