InBIA Announces 2026 Award Winners Honoring Excellence in Entrepreneurship Support
The International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) has announced the recipients of the 2026 InBIA Awards, recognizing leading organizations and programs that exemplify excellence in entrepreneurship support.
These awards honor organizations that advance innovation, strengthen ecosystems, and help entrepreneurs start, grow, and thrive across diverse communities and industries.
“What sets these organizations apart is not just what they do, but how intentionally they do it—building systems that consistently produce better outcomes for entrepreneurs,” said Charles Ross, CEO of InBIA. “Each of this year’s award winners is demonstrating what high-performing ecosystems look like in practice, and their models are shaping the future of entrepreneurship support globally.”
2026 InBIA Award Winners
Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO) of the Year
Tech & Science ESO of the Year — Gradient (Tulsa, OK): Recognized for advancing high-growth science and technology startups through strong commercialization pathways.
Rural ESO of the Year — Moonshot (Arizona): Recognized for expanding access to entrepreneurship in rural communities and building new pathways for founders.
Sector-Focused ESO of the Year — UF Innovate | Accelerate (Gainesville, FL): Recognized for supporting high-growth ventures through targeted programming and strong startup pipelines.
Mixed-Use ESO of the Year — Western Colorado Business Development Corporation | Business Incubator Center (Grand Junction, CO): Recognized for delivering comprehensive support across a diverse range of entrepreneurs.
Program & Impact Awards
Most Innovative Program Award — Muncie Innovation Connector (Muncie, IN): Recognized for a forward-thinking, results-driven approach to entrepreneurship support.
Excellence in Communications Award — UF Innovate | Accelerate (Gainesville, FL): Recognized for clear, compelling storytelling that elevates entrepreneurs and ecosystem impact.
Soft Landings Award — UF Innovate | Accelerate (Gainesville, FL): Recognized for supporting international companies entering and scaling within local markets.
Special Recognition Awards
Outstanding Client Award — UF Innovate | Accelerate & Aavanti (Gainesville, FL): Recognized for a high-impact partnership driving measurable company growth.
Julius Morgan Diversity & Inclusion Award — National Urban League (New York, NY): Recognized for advancing equitable access to entrepreneurship and inclusive economic opportunity.
About InBIA
The International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) is the global network for entrepreneurship support organizations. InBIA empowers its members with knowledge, connections, and best practices to help entrepreneurs succeed and strengthen economic ecosystems worldwide.
