Entrepreneurs are visionaries who are instrumental in the success of a business. Their dedicated and tireless approach to enterprise expansion places them at the forefront of business growth and development.

To honor the achievements and recognize the economic impact entrepreneurs and businesses have on our community, the Studer Community Institute is paying homage through the Entrepreneur Awards.

From those who have championed the cause of entrepreneurs to those who have turned adversity into success in another chapter of their lives, these awards honor and highlight small, medium and large business owners.

“EntreCon was founded and exists to help entrepreneurs in their game-changing business efforts, so it’s exciting to be able to honor their work,” said Nicole Webb Bodie, the Director of Impact for the Studer Family of Companies. “It takes an entrepreneurial mindset and real determination to grow new businesses from within, and success provides jobs and prosperity in Pensacola and beyond.”

The recipients will be honored during EntreCon, the three-day conference set for Nov. 14, 15 and 16. 

Sponsored by the Institute, EntreCon features speakers and panelists who share strategies for starting and growing businesses.

The awards will be presented during a luncheon at 11 a.m., Nov. 14, at Skopelos at New World, 600 South Palafox St.

All EntreCon 2018 attendees are invited to celebrate the winners of the EntreCon Awards, presented by Cox Business. The luncheon is complimentary to all 2018 EntreCon attendees, however, registration is required. There is a small fee for guests of award winners.

The categories honor businesses at every stage in their life cycle, from start-ups to family businesses that span multiple generations.

The 2018 EntreCon Award winners are:

— Start-Up Business of the Year: Sustainabody, Inc.

— Micro-Business Company of the Year: Hatchmark Studio

— Entrepreneur Small Business: Cat Country 98.7

— Medium/Large Business of the Year: Engineered Cooling Services

— Family Business of the Year: Caldwell Associates Architects

— Most Improved Business of the Year: IMS ExpertServices

— Employee of the Year: Levin Rinke Realty

— Entrepreneur of the Year: Aaron Watson, The Watson Firm, PLLC

The Entrepreneur of the Year award celebrates the achievements of an entrepreneur who, in a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years, has developed his or her business into one that’s ready for the next level of growth. The recipient has been successful in building a profitable business since its inception, and can share a comprehensive and sustainable business plan.

It takes an entrepreneurial spirit combined with patience and rigor to move from insights to ideas — and ideas to innovation ready to be tested and implemented.

The Institute’s mission is to improve the quality of life in the community. SCI does that by building strong businesses — of all sizes — where employees feel engaged, invested in and valued.

 “EntreCon is a key part of the training and development program to build a community,” said Morgan Milbradt, Training and Development Coordinator for Studer Community Institute. “We believe that when you build better jobs, you build better lives, and you build a community,”