Catalyst Awards

Catalyst Columbus Ecosystem Awards

Join us as we celebrate the remarkable contributions of entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders in Bartholomew County! The Catalyst Columbus Ecosystem Awards honors individuals and organizations that are driving innovation, supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and making a positive social impact. This is a free event that is open to all community members to celebrate the hard work and success of our amazing entrepreneurial ecosystem and community.

Whether you’re nominating an established entrepreneur, a rising star, an innovative leader, an ecosystem advocate, or a changemaker with significant social impact, your input is vital to recognizing excellence in our community. 

​Agenda For The Evening:
5:30pm - 6:00pm Doors Open
6:00pm - 6:10pm Welcome and Opening
6:10pm - 6:30pm A.I. & Business Presentation by Dr. Kevin J. Jones (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kevin-j-jones/)
6:30pm - 7:15pm Award Winners Announced: Rising Entrepreneur of the Year, Social Impact Award, Ecosystem Advocate Award, Innovation Award, Entrepreneur of the Year
7:15pm - 8:00pm Networking and Celebration 

Finalist:
Entrepreneur of The Year:
    - Blondie's Salon & Spa
    - REACH Columbus
    - Bespoke Events + Experiences (Formerly Swine & Dine)

Rising Entrepreneur of The Year:
    - Michelle Mulimba, Stunna's Meal Prep + Catering
    - Caylyn Pruitt, CayPops
    - Peter Soler, Upper Cuts

Innovation Award:
    - Pendulum Technologies
    - Switch 3dP
    - KAMP Technologies

Ecosystem Advocate Award:
    - Josh Ratliff
    - Hamilton Accounting Service
    - Lena Blackstock

Social Impact Award:
    - Francisco Jimenez, Cisco's
    - Felicia Garr, Umoja
    - Tracy Munn, Propeller 


Key Dates:

• Nominations Due: April 27th at midnight
• Finalists Announced: April 30th
• Awards Show: Tuesday, May 13th at 5:30 PM at the Commons 

Nominations Due April 27th: Click Here to Nominate

• Local Focus: Nominees or their organizations must be based in Bartholomew County, Indiana.
• Flexible Submission: You may nominate yourself or others—and you’re welcome to submit multiple nominations if you feel more than one candidate deserves recognition.
• Selective Categories: Nominate only the categories you feel are most relevant—there’s no obligation to nominate for every award.
• Detailed Input: Use the explanation and example fields to help the nomination committee understand why you support your nominee.

For any questions, please contact: Dan@Columbusareachamber.com

We appreciate your participation in highlighting the impactful work in our entrepreneurial ecosystem!