Awards Categories
We’re looking for the best of the best. You know the best of the best. Heck, you may even BE the best of the best! Check out the categories and help get your favorite startups on the map.
Accelerator of the Year
Accelerators play a pivotal role in the tech and business ecosystem by supporting companies with innovation, funding, and connections into academic environments. The Accelerator of the Year Award will recognize the accelerator program that best supports early-stage, growth-driven companies through education, mentorship, and financing. Eligible accelerator programs must have had an active cohort during 2022.
Investor of the Year
The Investor of the Year award will recognize an investment firm or angel investor who brings capital plus outstanding connections, advice and attention to Iowa startup companies. This award category recognizes all types of investors who bet on Iowa companies and serve as critical mentors and connectors. To be eligible, the investor must have made an investment in at least one Iowa-based company during 2022.
Student Entrepreneur of the Year
The Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award will honor a student who has demonstrated innovativeness, originality, and entrepreneurial spirit in the development of processes, products, or technologies of benefit to Iowa’s startup ecosystem. Nominees must be full-time, undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in an Iowa-based school during the spring and/or fall semester of 2022.
Entrepreneurial Support Organization of the Year
There are many organizations that support the ongoing growth of entrepreneurs and businesses throughout the state. The Entrepreneurial Support Organization of the Year Award will honor an organization that is connecting and supporting entrepreneurs and early-stage companies in Iowa.
Entrepreneur of the Year
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award will recognize the achievements of an individual founder, co-founder, President or CEO whose efforts deliver innovation, growth and prosperity as they build and sustain successful businesses that transform Iowa’s startup communities. Eligible individuals must be with a company under 10 years old, that is based in Iowa.
Non-founder Employee of the Year
Founders often get their fair share of recognition, but what about other employees? The Non-founder Employee of the Year Award will recognize an employee who is not the company’s founder or CEO but has been instrumental to their team’s success. Individuals should be in their role and/or with their company for a minimum of one year.
Startup of the Year
The Startup of the Year category recognizes startups with great potential that demonstrate the creative, strategic and innovative entrepreneurial spirit of Iowa’s startup communities. Nominees will be judged on a variety of factors including the quality of their business idea and plan, the strength of the founding team and their impact on Iowa’s entrepreneurial community. Eligible companies must be under 5 years old and be based in Iowa.