Distinction Awards 2026: Celebrating Regional Business Excellence
A unique and interactive evening highlighting the remarkable small businesses driving growth and innovation across our region.
Experience an interactive evening that brings to life the remarkable small businesses transforming communities across our region. The Entrepreneur Fund’s Distinction Awards go beyond “telling” their stories—it "shows" you what growth‑focused businesses truly mean for the vitality of our rural and regional economies.
Through the eyes of the entrepreneurs themselves, you’ll witness the challenges they’ve overcome, the innovation that drives them, and the real‑world impact they’re creating.
From inspiring stories to candid conversations, this immersive event shines a spotlight on the powerhouse businesses shaping our region’s future. Join us for an evening of well‑deserved recognition, connection, and celebration as we honor the exceptional leaders building stronger, more prosperous communities.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you.
A unique and interactive evening highlighting the remarkable small businesses driving growth and innovation across our region.
Experience an interactive evening that brings to life the remarkable small businesses transforming communities across our region. The Entrepreneur Fund’s Distinction Awards go beyond “telling” their stories—it "shows" you what growth‑focused businesses truly mean for the vitality of our rural and regional economies.
Through the eyes of the entrepreneurs themselves, you’ll witness the challenges they’ve overcome, the innovation that drives them, and the real‑world impact they’re creating.
From inspiring stories to candid conversations, this immersive event shines a spotlight on the powerhouse businesses shaping our region’s future. Join us for an evening of well‑deserved recognition, connection, and celebration as we honor the exceptional leaders building stronger, more prosperous communities.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you.
Good to know
Highlights
- 4 hours
- In person
Refund Policy
Location
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
350 Harbor Drive
Duluth, MN 55802
How do you want to get there?
Agenda
-
Doors Open & Registration
The doors are open—step into a space built for growth, connection, and inspiration.
-
Behind-the-Business Panels
Step into the stories behind the success! Our honorees will open up about the pivotal moments, obstacles overcome, and breakthroughs that brought them to where they are today. This engaging, interactive panel conversation brings their journeys to life—complete with the wins, the setbacks, and the wisdom gained along the way.
-
Panel 1: Big Business, Rural Roots
Learn how rural based companies can achieve national reach, drive economic vitality, and build industry leadership all while staying anchored in small communities. This panel highlights that staying local doesn’t limit growth; it can actually enable it. Panelists/Honorees: · Hancock Fabrication: Evolved from a rural/local operation to a nationally recognized supply chain player, deeply rooted in local workforce and community. · Bretting Manufacturing: Growth through acquisition while staying local, Exemplifies long-term community investment and multi-generational rural business resilience. · BotCrew: From their parent’s basement to nation AI players, BotCrew remains committed to the region while scaling nationally.