HUNTSVILLE, AL – The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship now is accepting nominations for the sixth annual Entrepreneur Awards, a culmination of events during the 2021 Innovate Huntsville Week.

The Entrepreneur Awards originated as a component of Innovate Huntsville. The awards event continues as the one gathering that celebrates all areas of entrepreneurship — from services and technology to defense, retail and all related aspects.

“The Entrepreneur Awards recognize and honor the skill and courage exhibited by entrepreneurs to develop a business from an idea,” Jennifer Stewart said. Stewart is Project Manager with Women’s Business Center.

“The awards have celebrated the hard work and inspiring stories of many outstanding North Alabama entrepreneurs doing great things in our community,” Stewart said. “Through quality business education, personalized one-on-one coaching and access to capital, we enable entrepreneurs to get started.”

In addition, the center provides established businesses with the tools they need to succeed.

Several award categories are available:

* Entrepreneur of the Year – In business three-plus years with proven track record for sustainability, strategic direction, future growth and community involvement.

* Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year – In business for one to three years with record for sustainability with room for growth.

* Creative Entrepreneur of the Year — Awarded to nontechnical professional whose focus is retail, arts, entertainment or culinary.

* Female Entrepreneur of the Year – Operates in North Alabama. Winner will be submitted to the Small Business Administration’s Small Business of the Year national award.

* Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year — Military veteran operating in North Alabama.

* Youth Entrepreneur of the Year — Individual younger than 17 years old.

* Non-Profit Entrepreneur of the Year – Leader for organization that betters the community.

* People’s Choice — Applicant with most votes from the community in social media campaign during Feb. 4-15.

* Entrepreneur Champion of the Year — Individual who has championed the entrepreneurial journey.

Nominations will close Jan. 31, 2021. Winners will be announced at the sixth annual Entrepreneur Awards on Feb. 26, 2021.

The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves entrepreneurs and small business owners in every stage of business. Catalyst Center’s address is 515 Sparkman Drive in Huntsville.

For more information, call 256-428-8190, email info@catalystcenter.org or visit catalystcenter.org.