Riverside, Calif., November 15, 2023 – Celebrating in the theme of “accelerating the future,” a crowd of nearly 900 entrepreneurs and community members gathered for the 21st annual gala of the Spirit of the Entrepreneur, witnessing a stellar evening of awards and entertainment that reinforced the gala’s status as the premier business event of the Inland Empire region.
This year's award recipients recognized at the black-tie gala, chosen from the 32 finalists, include:
FAST PITCH COMPETITION
As part of the event festivities, the Garner Holt Student Fast Pitch Competition was held for five future entrepreneurs to deliver a 90-second pitch about their up-and-coming venture idea to the audience and were critiqued on their overall preparation, poise and professional presentation. The top three pitches were recognized, and the top student walked away with a $4,000 prize. The fast pitch, which involves students from Cal State San Bernardino, is sponsored by local entrepreneur Garner Holt of Garner Holt Productions and City National Bank. The top 3 finishers were:
- Samuel Moreno - SPIKED
- Jeramy Sanchez - Business Spanish Solutions
- Ana Gonzalez – Bake with Me