The Bloch School at UMKC, through its Council for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, has celebrated international and local entrepreneurship since 1985 through its annual Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Dinner. This event celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit by honoring continued achievements in innovative, creative accomplishments.

The 22nd annual dinner honored Kate and Andy Spade as International Entrepreneurs of the Year, L. William Zahner as regional entrepreneur, and the Byron G. Thompson Family for their service to the community.

Each year the Council also honors a Student Entrepreneur of the Year, presenting a $2,000 Entrepreneurial Award to an upper division (junior or senior) or graduate student for significant entrepreneurial achievement. 

Read more about previous competitions:

2005:  International Winner: Henry W. Bloch

            Regional Winner: Jim Ferrell

            Community Winner: Bill and Barbara Nelson

            Student Winner: Mike Wilson

2004:  International Winner: Mark Goldstein

            Regional Winner: Hugh Zimmer

            Community Winner: Fred and Shirley Pryor

For more information about the Bloch School’s Entrepreneur of the Year, past and present, go to www.bloch.umkc.edu/eoy.