Entrepreneur of the Year Awards
A celebration of the most influential and successful Entrepreneur alumnae/i of Saint John’s University and the College of Saint Benedict.
SJU Entrepreneur of the Year
This award recognizes the achievements of a Johnnie who best exemplifies the ideals of entrepreneurship by starting and successfully managing one or more businesses in a way that demonstrates notable entrepreneurial characteristics and achievements while practicing Benedictine values in the workplace and in their lives.
CSB Entrepreneur of the Year
This award recognizes the achievements of a Bennie who best exemplifies the ideals of entrepreneurship by starting and successfully managing one or more businesses in a way that demonstrates notable entrepreneurial characteristics and achievements while practicing Benedictine values in the workplace and in their lives.
CSB/SJU Social Entrepreneur of the Year
This award recognizes the achievements and qualities of a Johnnie or Bennie who best exemplifies the ideals of social entrepreneurship by starting and successfully managing one or more ventures that enriches humanity or addresses a social issue in a way that demonstrates notable entrepreneurial characteristics and achievements while practicing Benedictine values in the workplace and in their lives.
Criteria for selection for Entrepreneur of the Year Awards:
- An alum of Saint John’s University or the College of Saint Benedict
- Recognized as an entrepreneur by others
- Mid-career or older, (this is not a lifetime achievement award)
- Currently engaged in a leadership role in a social or business venture
- Demonstrates strong entrepreneurial mindset: creative approaches, willingness to take risks, engages others, faces ambiguity with enthusiasm, leads others to new achievements
- Has started at least one venture
- At least one venture they have started was very successful and the current venture they are engaged in is recognized as a success
- The person actively demonstrates Benedictine values in work and life and the venture workplace is guided by strong values. For example, they model listening with the heart and they contribute to build community
- Demonstrates Innovation: The Canidate has transformed traditional practice through an innovative product, service, approach or a more rigorous application of known technologies and ideas
- Has had an impact on the community, industry, employees and alma mater
Added criteria for Social Entrepreneur
- Has made a demonstrated impact on a social or community issue through the work of the venture they started or currently lead
- Has transformed how a social or community issue is addressed
For more information or questions please contact Becca Brzezinski at 320-363-2065.