On Friday, February 24, the Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship (Catalyst Center) hosted their 8th annual Entrepreneur Awards at Stovehouse to honor the skill, courage and determination it takes for individuals to create a successful business out of an idea.

Each year, the ceremony focuses on the hard work and inspiring stories of many outstanding North Alabama entrepreneurs doing great things in the Huntsville community.

Since 2016, the Entrepreneur Awards have been held in partnership with Innovate Huntsville as a conclusion to Innovate Huntsville Week.

Mayor of Madison Paul Finley was present to give remarks before the 2023 winners were announced.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of this community. … I just want to tell all of the nominees today how proud we are of you and ask for you to keep going. The passion that you have turns into a business for everyone in this community to enjoy,” said Mayor Finley.

Kenny Anderson, the City of Huntsville’s Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, served as Master of Ceremonies. Anderson, who has served as MC of the awards in years past, commented on how important it is to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit when talking about all of the individuals nominated for awards.

“The work that you do and the investment you make isn’t easy but it is all about your heart and your passion for improving the quality of life for others. The entrepreneurs all share the same drive and determination required to make their dreams a reality and it’s our time to acknowledge that today,” concluded Anderson.

The exciting lunch event concluded with the announcement of the following 2023 Entrepreneur Award recipients:

YOUTH — Karma Ford, K-Boss Artistry

Awarded to an outstanding entrepreneur 18 years or younger who has started the entrepreneur journey early and has succeeded in launching a viable business.

EMERGING – Donna Oti, Communications and Culture LLC

This award is given to an entrepreneur that has been in business for 1-3 years and has a proven track record for sustainability with room for growth.

CREATIVE – Lisa Grice, Forever Grateful

This award goes to a non-technical entrepreneurial venture that focuses on the retail, arts, entertainment, or culinary industry and has a proven track record for sustainability.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING – Venus Quates, LaunchTech LLC

This award was added in 2022 to recognize the large role that government contracting entrepreneurs play in the North Alabama economic ecosystem.

NONPROFIT – Allison Kling, Free to Teach

The Nonprofit Entrepreneur of the year award is given to a leader who possesses an entrepreneurial spirit to maintain and grow their non-profit organization.

VETERAN – Jeremy Conway, MAD Security

This award is given to an outstanding military-veteran entrepreneur in the North Alabama Region.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE – Jennifer Linton, WEDC Foundation

The People’s Choice award is hosted by Al.com and the winning entrepreneur is the one who receives the most votes.

FEMALE – Raven Perry-Beach, Beach Law

This award is given to an outstanding female entrepreneur in the North Alabama Region. The winner of the award will be submitted to the Small Business Administration Small Business of the Year National Award by the Women’s Business Center.

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR – Nikia Lightfoot, Vujee Vegan

Awarded to an entrepreneur who has been in business for over three years and has a proven track record for sustainability, strategic direction, future growth, and community involvement.

JOANNE RANDOLPH ENTREPRENEURIAL CHAMPION – Jean McCrady, Catalyst Coach

This award is for a champion with a proven track record of volunteering, mentoring, investing, or collaborating with new ventures on their entrepreneurial journey. Named in honor after former Catalyst CEO Joanne Randolph.