The EDDIEs celebrate Entrepreneurs Dedicated to Diverse & Inclusive Excellence.
Applications close November 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Sign up below to be notified when they are available.
One category winner will be named Entrepreneur of the Year, receiving a $10,000 cash prize.
Winners are invited to Atlanta with complimentary air travel, hotel stay, and transportation to the EDDIE Awards ceremony.
Gain recognition, special services, and unparalleled growth opportunities at the ceremony.
The Techpreneur Award honors entrepreneurs who excel in leveraging technology to drive significant innovation and transformation.
The Social Impact Award recognizes exceptional leaders who are dedicated to driving positive change and addressing critical social challenges through their work.
The Creativity Award honors entrepreneurs who seamlessly integrate creative expression with entrepreneurial spirit.
The Community Champion Award honors founders who significantly contribute to the enhancement of their local community.
The Newcomer Award recognizes entrepreneurs who have launched innovative businesses within the past 2 years.
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is the highest honor, recognizing an individual who exemplifies innovation, resilience, and advocacy for disability in entrepreneurship.
In order to apply for the EDDIE Awards, entrepreneurs must self-identify as disabled, reside within the United States, and be above the age of 18.
While an incorporated business is not necessary to apply, the individual applying must be actively involved in the business and own the majority of the company.
Synergies Work believes in celebrating entrepreneurs at every step of their journey – whether you’re a fresh startup or a seasoned enterprise. So don’t hesitate on applying just because you think you’re too big or too small. You’re still an important part of the disabled business community and we want to shine the spotlight on you!
The finalists of each category will be invited to attend the EDDIE Awards ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia, to accept their award with complimentary air travel, hotel stay, and transportation.
During the ceremony, our judges will announce the Entrepreneur of the Year which will be chosen from among the category winners and receive a $10,000 cash prize alongside a suite of other services.
Applications are open now — apply here to get started.
Plan for about 20–30 minutes to complete the form. If you’d rather see the questions first, download the application questions (PDF) and draft your answers ahead of time before starting the online form.
Our team will carefully review your application. If you are selected to proceed to Round 2, we will send you a follow-up form requesting some additional final information.
Judging happens in two rounds. In round one, our judges review every application across all categories and narrow the field down to the top three finalists in each category. In round two, those finalists are asked to submit a short video, and judges use it to choose the winner in each category.
All finalists will be notified in February, 2027.
