2026 Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneur of the Year Awards
Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Center
Indian River State College
Celebrating Innovation,
Leadership and Impact
The Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneur of the Year Award is one of the Treasure Coast’s most prestigious recognitions of entrepreneurial excellence, honoring individuals whose vision, leadership, innovation, and business success have created a lasting impact on our region.
Nominate an Entrepreneur
Nominating a deserving candidate is an opportunity to recognize and highlight the leaders whose dedication, ingenuity, and commitment inspire others and help shape a stronger future for the Treasure Coast.
Gilbert Culberth
2025 Entrepreneur of the Year
Watch highlights from last year’s awards ceremony and learn how entrepreneurial leadership continues to shape the future of the Treasure Coast.
Sponsorships
This exclusive event, with an audience of 200-250 influential leaders, offers high-value experiences. Sponsorship provides visibility and positions your organization as a champion of regional economic growth and innovation.
Sponsor Benefits
- Exclusive event naming rights “Event Presented by Company”
- Rising Leader Student Award Naming Rights (One Year)
Receive exclusive naming recognition for the Rising Leader Student Award for one year, including acknowledgment in event materials and award presentations. Permanent naming opportunities are available upon request. - Digital billboard ad featuring company logo — 30 days (Okeechobee Rd & McNeil)
- On-stage 2–5 minute speaking opportunity or 2–5 minute promotional video played during the event
- Premier logo placement on all event materials
- Full-page ad on presentation screen that runs throughout the event
- Full-page advertisement in the event program
- Recognition as Title Sponsor in all press releases
- Logo with hyperlink on event website
- Boosted social media recognition
- Premium logo placement in event email series
- Post-event recognition in official thank-you email
- Premium table for 8 guests
Sponsor Benefits
- Premier logo placement on all event materials
- Full-page ad on presentation screen that runs throughout the event
- Full-page advertisement in the event program
- Recognition in all press releases
- Logo with hyperlink on event website
- Verbal recognition during the event
- Boosted social media recognition
- Premium logo placement in event email series
- Post-event recognition in official thank-you email
- Premium table for 8 guests
Sponsor Benefits
- Logo with hyperlink on event website
- Boosted social media recognition
- Logo inclusion in event email series
- Verbal recognition during the event
- Quarter-page advertisement in the event program
- 6 event tickets
Sponsor Benefits
- Logo with hyperlink on event website
- Social media recognition
- Logo inclusion in event email series
- Verbal recognition during the event
- Eighth-page advertisement in the event program
- 4 event tickets
Sponsor Benefits
- Logo with hyperlink on event website
- Social media recognition
- Line listing in the event program
- 2 event tickets
Previous Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneur of the Year Recipients
2025 – Gilbert Culberth
2024 – Bill Marine
2021 – Art Allen
2020 – Bob Stork
2019 – Michael Brown
2018 – Allen Osteen
2017 – Tim Girard
2016 – Scott Deal
2015 – Bob and Marygrace Sexton
2014 – Ron Edwards
2013 – Tom Corr
2012 – Jim Coffey*
2011 – Richard Houghten*
2010 – Alma Lee Loy*
2009 – Frank “Sonny” Williamson Jr.
2008 – Vernon Smith
2007 – Donald Proctor
2006 – Sidney Banack Jr.
2005 – John Shumann Jr.
2004 – Barney and Harriet Greene*
2003 – Bud Adams
2002 – Ray Oglethorpe
2001 – Bob Brackett
2000 – Dan K. Richardson*
*Deceased recipient