Entrepreneurial Stars Awards

Established in 1999, the Annual Entrepreneurship Recognition Banquet serves to honor those professionals, students, alumni and faculty who have made continuous contributions to fostering entrepreneurship education and those who have achieved great success in venture creation.

Nomination Process

The executive committee of the Entrepreneurship Advisory Board will review all nominations and vote on a selection at its annual Spring meeting.  The board will consider the originality, depth, breadth and impact of the entire body of the nominees' entrepreneurial pursuits and impact.  

Award Categories

Entrepreneurial Excellence Award

The Center for Entrepreneurship Education & Research recognizes entrepreneurial leadership and excellence at its annual Entrepreneurship Recognition Banquet each Spring.  The inaugural banquet was held in 1999, and recognizes both successful entrepreneurs that have a connection to the University of Cincinnati community, as well as students who represent the next generation of entrepreneurs.  In addition to a connection to the community, entrepreneur nominees for the Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence should have accomplished not only new venture success, but demonstrated a commitment to U.C. and/or the broader community.

Lifetime Achievement in Entrepreneurship

The University of Cincinnati Lifetime Achievement Award for Entrepreneurship was instituted on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the Annual Entrepreneurship Recognition Banquet sponsored by the University of Cincinnati Center for Entrepreneurship Education & Research.  The award henceforth is presented to a worthy recipient in recognition for a lifetime of entrepreneurial achievement that encompasses the ideals of entrepreneurial activity – through either new venturing, corporate venturing, or social venturing.  Eligibility extends to both those who have pursued a lifetime of successful venture creation as well as those whose life's pursuits supported and advocated the entrepreneurial ideals.  The executive committee of the Entrepreneurship Advisory Board will nominate and select at most one award recipient annually at its Spring meeting, considering the originality, depth, breadth and impact of the entire body of the nominees' entrepreneurial pursuits and impact.

For the Lifetime Achievement in Entrepreneurship Award

Download Nomination Package (Self nominations are accepted.)