Application

EDDIE Awards 2025

Celebrating disabled entrepreneurs driving positive change

Applications for the 2025 EDDIE Awards are now closed.

Thank you to everyone who applied!

$10,000 Entrepreneur of the Year Prize

One category winner will be named Entrepreneur of the Year, receiving a $10,000 cash prize.

Experience VIP Treatment

Winners are invited to Atlanta with complimentary air travel, hotel stay, and transportation to the EDDIE Awards Ceremony on Thursday, Sep 25, 2025.

Unlock Exclusive Opportunities

Gain recognition, special services, and unparalleled growth opportunities at the ceremony.

Award Category Finalists

Techpreneur Award Finalists

The Techpreneur Award honors entrepreneurs who excel in leveraging technology to drive significant innovation and transformation.

Heather Lawver

Heather Lawver

Ceemo
Brandon Biggs

Brandon Biggs

XR Navigation
Rebecca Rosenberg

Rebecca Rosenberg

ReBokeh Vision Technologies

This award is for:

  • Technology Innovators: Entrepreneurs who create or apply technology in novel ways to solve complex problems or enhance existing solutions.

     

  • Industry Disruptors: Those who challenge traditional methods and introduce new, effective approaches that redefine their industry or field.

     

  • Visionaries: Individuals who have a forward-thinking mindset and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve.

Qualities we’re looking for:

  • Innovation: Demonstrated ability to develop or implement cutting-edge technology that significantly impacts their industry.

  • Impact: Proven success in using technology to solve real-world problems, improve processes, or create new opportunities.

  • Creativity: Unique and imaginative approaches to technology that stand out from conventional methods.

  • Leadership: Inspiring leadership in driving technological advancements and fostering a culture of innovation within their organization or community.

Social Impact Award Finalists

The Social Impact Award recognizes exceptional leaders who are dedicated to driving positive change and addressing critical social challenges through their work.

Frances Latimer

Frances Latimer

Open Door Billing, LLC
Russell Lehmann

Russell Lehmann

Russell Lehmann
Lorraine Woodward

Lorraine Woodward

Becoming rentABLE

This award is for:

  • Community Leaders: Leaders who are actively engaged in improving their local communities, addressing social inequalities, and enhancing the well-being of their neighbors.

  • Global Change-Makers: Individuals whose efforts extend beyond local boundaries to address systemic issues and contribute to global progress.

  • Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs: Those whose business practices and initiatives are guided by a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to social good.

Qualities we’re looking for:

  • Impact: Significant, tangible results from efforts to address social or environmental issues, demonstrating meaningful improvements in communities or on a global scale.

  • Commitment: A sustained dedication to social change, evident in long-term projects and ongoing efforts.

  • Innovation: Creative and effective solutions to pressing social challenges that go beyond traditional approaches.

  • Leadership: Inspiring leadership that mobilizes others, drives collective action, and fosters a culture of positive change.

Creativity Award

The Creativity Award honors entrepreneurs who seamlessly integrate creative expression with entrepreneurial spirit. This award celebrates individuals who use their exceptional creativity to drive business success and make a significant impact on social and cultural landscapes.

Erica Cole

Erica Cole

No Limbits
Alexandra Adlawan

Alexandra Adlawan

Amazing Artists LLC
Deshaymond Solomon

Deshaymond Solomon

Deshaymond Media LLC

This award is for:

  • Creative Innovators: Entrepreneurs who blend artistic vision with business acumen to develop unique products, services, or experiences.

  • Cultural Shapers: Individuals whose work significantly influences cultural trends, enriches social experiences, and contributes to the evolution of creative industries.

  • Visionary Leaders: Those who push the boundaries of traditional creativity, exploring new mediums and ideas to create profound impacts.

Qualities we’re looking for:

  • Artistic Excellence: Demonstrated originality and excellence in their chosen creative medium, showcasing a high level of skill and innovation.

  • Business Impact: Successful integration of creative work into a viable business model, driving economic success and sustainability.

  • Cultural Contribution: Significant contributions to cultural or social movements, enhancing and enriching societal experiences through creative endeavors.

  • Inspiration: Ability to inspire others through their creative achievements, fostering a broader appreciation and understanding of creativity’s role in driving change.

Newcomer Award

The Newcomer Award recognizes entrepreneurs who have launched innovative businesses within the past 2 years. This award celebrates those who approach their ventures with a fresh perspective and a bold, unconventional mindset, challenging industry norms and driving positive change.

Gerene Keesler

Gerene Keesler

Admissions Untangled
Kendra Koch

Kendra Koch

Divergently
Marissa Ditkowsky

Marissa Ditkowsky

National Disabled Legal Professionals Association

This award is for:

  • Recent Innovators: Entrepreneurs who have started new businesses within the last 2 years, introducing unique ideas or approaches that stand out in their industry.

  • Disruptive Visionaries: Individuals who are not afraid to challenge traditional assumptions and push the boundaries of their field with fresh, audacious thinking.

  • Dynamic Trailblazers: Those whose new ventures are making a significant impact, demonstrating a clear departure from conventional practices and setting the stage for future growth.

Qualities we’re looking for:

  • Innovation: Original and groundbreaking ideas that introduce new concepts, products, or services, disrupting the status quo in their industry.

  • Boldness: A fearless approach to entrepreneurship, showcasing a willingness to take risks and defy traditional norms.

  • Impact: Demonstrated positive change and notable progress in their industry, with evidence of how their innovation is shaping the future.

  • Growth Potential: Clear potential for ongoing success and expansion, with a strong foundation for future development and influence.

Community Champion Award

The Community Champion Award honors founders who significantly contribute to the enhancement of their local community. This award recognizes businesses that stand out by offering unique products or services, creating job opportunities, and fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for residents and visitors.

Rodney Taylor

Rodney Taylor

Community Deeply Rooted Inc DBA PAC the Barber
Fernando Olivarez

Fernando Olivarez

speak 4 Hope
Addison Loerzel

Addison Loerzel

Addie's Sunshine and Treats and Spread Your Sunshine

This award is for:

  • Local Leaders: Entrepreneurs who have made substantial contributions to their community through their business operations and initiatives.

  • Community Builders: Individuals who actively engage in creating a positive, inclusive, and vibrant atmosphere that benefits everyone in their area.

  • Supportive Employers: Business owners who prioritize local hiring, provide meaningful employment opportunities, and contribute to the economic and social well-being of their community.

Qualities we’re looking for:

  • Community Impact: Significant positive effects on the local community, including economic growth, improved social cohesion, and enhanced quality of life for residents.

  • Innovation in Service: Unique and valuable products or services that address local needs and contribute to community development.

  • Inclusivity: Efforts to create an inclusive and welcoming environment, ensuring that their business benefits and engages all members of the community.

  • Engagement: Active involvement in community events, initiatives, or partnerships that strengthen the social fabric and foster local connections.

Entrepreneur of the Year Award

 The Synergies Work Entrepreneur of the Year Award is the highest honor at the EDDIE Awards, recognizing an outstanding individual who exemplifies innovation, resilience, and advocacy for disability in entrepreneurship. This accolade celebrates exceptional achievements, visionary leadership, and a strong commitment to breaking down barriers for individuals with disabilities.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award will be announced LIVE at the ceremony on September 25!

This award is for:

  • Trailblazing Innovators: Entrepreneurs who demonstrate exceptional creativity and innovation in their business practices, pushing the boundaries of their industry.

  • Resilient Leaders: Individuals who have overcome significant challenges and adversity to achieve remarkable success and serve as a source of inspiration for others.

  • Advocates for Disability Inclusion: Entrepreneurs who actively work to promote inclusivity and accessibility within their business and the broader entrepreneurial community.

Qualities we’re looking for:

  • Exceptional Achievements: Significant accomplishments and notable success in their entrepreneurial journey, reflecting a high level of expertise and impact.

  • Visionary Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead with a forward-thinking approach, inspiring others and driving positive change in their industry and community.

  • Commitment to Advocacy: Strong dedication to advancing disability inclusion, creating opportunities, and advocating for accessibility and support for individuals with disabilities.

  • Transformative Impact: Evidence of how their entrepreneurial efforts have made a meaningful difference, contributing to a more inclusive and accessible future.

FAQ

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 winners 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.

Click this link to apply: https://synergieswork.typeform.com/EDDIEAWARDS2025 

The application should take you between 30-45 minutes and asks for information regarding you, your business, your goals, and your achievements.

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.

Once the additional information is submitted, our panel of judges will evaluate all Round 2 entries. They will select the top three finalists in each category.

If you are chosen as a finalist, you will be informed by early August 2025.

You deserve to have your accomplishments celebrated!