Thank you SWFL, for Celebrating Distinguished Entrepreneur 2025
The Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made the 13th 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: Terry Drake, Drake Ready Mix – For his outstanding leadership, growth, and innovation in the construction materials industry.
🏆 Emerging Business of the Year: Andres Paz, Latinos239 – For rapid, mission-driven growth and service to the local Latino community.
🏆 Servant Leader of the Year: Priya Ahluwalia, MoAloo Ventures – For her unwavering commitment to mentorship, advocacy, and inclusive development.
🏆 William O. Webb Award: Kevin and Daniela Noble, Noble Brews – For their dedication, resilience, and excellence as SBDC clients.
🏆 Regional Ambassador of the Year: Craig Bamberg, Platinum Dry Cleaners – For his enthusiastic promotion of SBDC services and 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
Attendees, sponsors, nominees, award winners, and press agencies, can all access the full photo library at the following link:
Our Illustrious Sponsors for 2025
