7th Annual Entrepreneur Awards: A True Testament of the Entrepreneurial Spirit

Each year, the Catalyst hosts its Entrepreneur Awards in partnership with Innovate Huntsville and as the grand conclusion to Innovate Huntsville Week. 

Thanks to the pandemic, last year’s Entrepreneur Awards were presented virtually. The Catalyst successfully navigated the challenges in a way that seemed almost effortless. CEO Lisa Davis Mays and her dream team of “Leading Ladies” presented the 6th Annual awards in a unique, creative, and fun way, complete with balloons and surprises.  

Fast forward to 2022 and this year the award ceremony was held “brick-and-mortar” style at Campus 805. Colorful balloons and décor once again set the stage for the big event. 

Whether the awards are presented virtually or in person, one thing that’s certain here in North Alabama: Despite two years of setbacks, pivots, and frequent gear shifting, nothing seems to dampen the collective power of the entrepreneurial spirit.

Kenny Anderson. Photo by Lori Connors

Kenny Anderson, the City of Huntsville’s Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, served as Master of Ceremonies. Anderson, forever and always the champion of the entrepreneur, demonstrated a generous amount of enthusiasm and good-natured humor.

“I get to work with entrepreneurs and small business owners from all walks of life,” said Anderson. “So, when I was invited to emcee today’s awards, I was thrilled once again to have this honor. And it’s such a great honor to celebrate all of you who make such a tremendous investment in our community.” 

The 2022 nominees represented 11 different communities and 24 different zip codes in North Alabama. Of those nominated, 51 were women and 19 were men. What’s even more impressive is that they provide jobs for 731 employees, and in 2021 alone, these entrepreneurs accounted for $103 million in economic development across North Alabama.

“The 7th Annual Entrepreneur Awards highlight the best of the best entrepreneurs in the North Alabama region,” said Anderson. The entrepreneurs being honored today come from a variety of backgrounds, but what they all share is the same drive and determination to make their dreams a reality. Together they make a huge impact on our community and our economy.”

Without further ado, introducing the 2022 Entrepreneurial Award winners:

YOUTH – Belle Buehrle, Burly Bites

Belle Beuhrle. Photo by Lori Connors.

This award is given to a school-aged entrepreneur in K-12, who has started their entrepreneurial journey and business at a young age and is working in the present towards their dream.

EMERGING – Bailey Erickson, Wafel-Bitte, 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 – Maria Troupe, Wine & Design

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.    

Sandra Cepeda. Photo by Lori Connors

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING – Sandra Cepeda, Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis Inc.

As a brand-new category, this award was added to recognize the large role that government contracting entrepreneurs play in the North Alabama economic  ecosystem.

NONPROFIT – Lee Marshall, Kids to Love

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 – Buddy Lockwood, Artemis Shielding

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

PEOPLE’S CHOICE – Clark Crosson, CrossTek Construction

Never underestimate the power of social media. The People’s Choice award is hosted by Al.com and the winning entrepreneur is the one who receives the most votes.

FEMALE – Chef Adyre Mason, The Veggie

This award is given to an outstanding female entrepreneur in the North Alabama Region.

Chef Adyre Mason. Photo by Lori Connors

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 – Dave Bristol, Acquisition Integration

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 – Paul Finley, Mayor, City of Madison, AL

Mayor Paul Finley. Photo by Lori Connors

This award is for a champion with a proven track record of volunteering, mentoring, investing, or collaborating with new ventures on their entrepreneurial journey. Joanne Randolph, The Catalyst’s former CEO and the Entrepreneurial Champion Award’s namesake, had the special honor of introducing Finley via ZOOM, from her home in Orange Beach.

“This has been one special week,” said Vicki Morris of Innovate Huntsville. “Several events have happened. We’ve had phenomenal attendance, people are excited about being in person and supporting one another, and getting to know all of the services, opportunities, and organizations that are in place right here to serve the entrepreneurial and small business community.”

“On behalf of our Synovus team, I’m delighted to support this event and the Catalyst,” said Beth Sipple Market President for Synovus Bank, the event’s video sponsor. “Back in the day, I was honored to serve as a board chair for the Women’s Business Center. This is so fun for me to see the Catalyst and the way that these organizations have merged. Congratulations to all the entrepreneurs!”