San Bernardino, CA - The Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship (RLCE) at Cal State San Bernardino and Premier Sponsor U.S. Bank announced the 54 semifinalists for the 2026 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards.
The companies were selected from 256 nominations and 111 completed profile forms. This year’s pool featured both highly accomplished businesses and promising emerging ventures, making the evaluation process exceptionally competitive.
“Our 2026 semi-finalists represent the determination, ingenuity and impact that make Inland Southern California’s entrepreneurial community so strong,” said Spirit Awards founder and Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship Director Mike Stull. “To be selected from 256 nominations and 111 completed profiles is an accomplishment in itself. Congratulations to each of the companies advancing!”
What’s next
The semi-finalists will attend a mandatory Judging Reception on Friday, October 2, from 1:00–5:30 p.m. at UCR Arts in downtown Riverside. Sponsored by McKell Partners Wealth Management, the reception gives the semi-finalists an opportunity to meet personally with the 2026 Spirit Awards judges – all former award recipients. Participants will take part in brief “speed-round” conversations with each judge for questions and follow-up. The afternoon will also include networking, photography and breakout sessions.
The companies advancing to the finalist stage will be announced on Saturday, October 3. Finalists will compete for the 2026 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards at the 24th annual black-tie gala on Thursday, November 12, at the Riverside Convention Center.
Meet the 2026 Semifinalists
JUDGING RECEPTION is Sponsored by McKell Partners Wealth Management.
Spirit Awards Event Features
Commencing at 5:00 p.m. on November 12, attendees will experience either a Gala or VIP reception, stellar event entertainment, awards presentations, and an exclusive after party! Ticket sales will be starting on October 7th!
Best of the Best Award The top entrepreneur from among the evenings award recipients that best exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit will take home the 2026 Best of the Best award, sponsored by Best, Best & Krieger, LLP
The Mary Anne Fox Top Female Entrepreneur Award The outstanding female entrepreneur from among the finalists will be recognized with the Mary Anne Fox Top Female Entrepreneur Award.
The Garner Holt Student Fast Pitch CompetitionWitness 90-second business pitches from competing student finalists. Audience members cast their votes for the best business idea through a live voting poll to determine which students will walk away with the top cash prizes.
Entertainment Upcoming entertainment guest stars are always an anticipated reveal during the gala. Past events have included top flight entertainment such as: Rock Legend Eddie Money, Ekenah Claudin-Transcending Box, and Gregory Adamson- Facing the Music Performance Artistry.
VIP Reception Sponsored by U.S. Bank
A portion of the proceeds from the Spirit of the Entrepreneur event benefit the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Scholarship established by Dr. Mike Stull, Director of the Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino. The scholarship is awarded to vetted and deserving entrepreneurship students from CSUSB's School of Entrepreneurship, to assist them in achieving their degree.
EVENT SPONSORS
The Spirit of the Entrepreneur event is presented by the Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship (RLCE), U.S. Bank, and the Jack H. Brown College of Business & Public Administration at California State University San Bernardino and sponsored by a wide range of local organizations including:
- DIAMOND SPONSOR Wells Fargo
- PLATINUM SPONSORS Best Best & Krieger LLP, Southern California News Group, Inland Empire Magazine and 15 Birds Productions.
- GOLD SPONSORS Varner & Brandt LLP, Riverside County Office of Economic Development, San Bernardino County Economic Development, JP Morgan Chase, Desmond & Louis, and PNC Bank
- SILVER SPONSORS AmPac Business Capital
- JUDGING RECEPTION SPONSOR McKell Partners Wealth Management
- VIP RECEPTION SPONSOR U.S. Bank
- WELCOME EXPERIENCE SPONSOR Bank of America
- GALA RECEPTION HOST Wells Fargo
- AFTER PARTY SPONSOR Customers Bank
