Thank you SWFL, for Celebrating Distinguished Entrepreneur 2026
The Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made the 14th Annual Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards a powerful celebration of resilience, innovation, and leadership in Southwest Florida. From the remarkable nominees and award winners to our generous sponsors, valued partners, and engaged attendees, this event would not exist without your commitment and support.
Since its inception, the Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards have stood as a hallmark of recognition for the region’s most enterprising and visionary small business leaders. Now in its thirteenth year, the ceremony continues to highlight the strength, diversity, and impact of the entrepreneurs who shape our local economy and community culture. These awards aren’t merely about business, they’re about perseverance, ingenuity, and the enduring spirit of Southwest Florida.
It is our honor to shine a spotlight on the five distinguished winners who exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and build with heart:
🏆 Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year: Rachel McIntyre, Open Doors Preschool – For her outstanding leadership, growth, and innovation in early childhood education.
🏆 Emerging Business of the Year: Cole Kelly, Punta Gorda Adventures – For transforming SWFL’s waterways into a distinctive tourism experience through innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
🏆 Servant Leader of the Year: Marilyn Santiago, Creative Architectural Resin Products – For her unwavering commitment to mentorship, advocacy, and inclusive development in SWFL.
🏆 William O. Webb Award: Carolina Ferrer, Carolina’s Compassionate Counseling – For her dedication, resilience, and excellence as a mental health professional and an SBDC client.
🏆 Regional Ambassador of the Year: Tim Cartwright, Fifth Avenue Family Office – For his enthusiastic and tireless promotion of SBDC services and SWFL community leadership.
These individuals represent the vibrant entrepreneurial core of Southwest Florida, and it is our immeasurable pleasure to recognize their achievements on this stage.
At the Florida SBDC at FGCU, we believe that supporting small businesses means investing in the future of our entire region. The Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards are just one example of how we strive to elevate and acknowledge those who are not only growing businesses, but building legacies.
We thank you again for being part of this extraordinary evening, and we look forward to many more years of recognizing the business brilliance that defines our unique community.
Sincerely,
The Florida SBDC at FGCU
Our Illustrious Sponsors for 2026
HALLMARK
COCKTAIL
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
Award Sponsor
Our Amazing Underwriters for 2026
