What is it?
Fort Worth Inc.'s Entrepreneur of Excellence (EOE) awards program recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs whose vision, creativity, and integrity have made Fort Worth the premier place to do business. These individuals have distinguished themselves within their industries through their leadership, perseverance, ethical business practices, sales and profit growth, community involvement, and more.
Applicants for the program are evaluated against others in their category and selected through a competitive process. Winners will be announced at a formal awards ceremony and receive recognition through various publication opportunities. One special individual will also be selected by Fort Worth Inc. for the Supporter of Entrepreneurship award. You may nominate yourself or others for any of these prestigious awards.
Why Apply?
- Commemorate your baby, the company you have established and grown
- Celebrate and publicly recognize your employees who helped get you here
- Finalists and winners are formally recognized at EOE Awards Gala
- Finalists and winners receive editorial exposure and publicity, including an interview in Fort Worth Inc.’s EOE cover story
- Winners are inducted into Fort Worth Inc.'s Entrepreneur of Excellence Hall of Fame and are invited to future EOE events, which contributes to valuable network-building
- Winners will receive a pair of custom-made ostrich boots from Fort Worth-based Justin Boots
- Winners receive an exclusive, handsome awards trophy
FAQs
There will be three finalists in each category, but only one winner in each category
Finalists and past applicants are strongly encouraged to re-apply.
The deadline for nominations, including the CPA Verification of Financial Data is August 1, 2024.
You can submit an application under the “Other” category and we will place you in the most fitting category.
If you’ve applied in the last two years, Fort Worth Inc. can send you your old application to reference while completing your 2024 application. Please contact Kaitlyn Lisenby [email protected] to request your previous application.
Yes, co-applicants must also meet the requirements to apply.
You can only apply under one company, but may reference your other companies in the essay portions of your application.
There is no cost to nominate someone or complete an application for EOE.
Anyone can nominate a worthy entrepreneur for the Supporter of Entrepreneurship award or to apply for EOE. The nominated entrepreneur will be sent an email with information on how to begin their application.
Fort Worth Inc. selects a winner after reviewing submitted nominations.
Past winners cannot re-apply, however, they can be nominated for the Supporter of Entrepreneurship award. We also encourage past winners to nominate other entrepreneurs. Exception: A former Up-and-Coming winner may enter the running for their industry category.
You must submit the following financial data from your three most recent years (or 2 most recent years if in business after Jan. 1, 2022):
- Total Annual Sales
- Income Before Taxes
- EBITDA
- Total Committed Capital (Private Equity Portfolio Company category only)
- Total Invested Capital (Private Equity Portfolio Company category only)
- Total Number of Employees
Current year financial data will only be applicable if it is finalized.
You will provide the contact information of your CPA in your application. Fort Worth Inc. will contact your CPA and ask them to verify your financial data through a digital signature. You will be copied on all communication, but no action will be needed from you. Financial data must be verified by a third party.
All information contained in the application will be kept in strictest confidence. The application will be reviewed exclusively by a panel of independent judges and Fort Worth Inc. for the sole purpose of determining the qualifications in regards to EOE. Applicant information may be used by Fort Worth Inc. and a select group of presenting sponsors in order to properly manage the promotion, profiling, and awards presentation of program finalists and winners. All parties taking part in this process will sign non-disclosure agreements, which will be on file at Fort Worth Inc.
Please contact Kaitlyn Lisenby [email protected].
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