HUNTSVILLE – To prepare for 2018 Innovate Huntsville Week, the Catalyst Center is accepting nominations for the third annual Entrepreneur Awards.

These awards recognize and honor entrepreneurs’ skill and courage to develop a business from an idea, Katie Williams said. Williams works as Project Manager of Women’s Business Center for The Catalyst.

The Catalyst Center for Business and Entrepreneurship was founded in 2003 as The Women’s Business Center of North Alabama or WBCNA. In 2017, the brand officially changed from WBCNA to The Catalyst for a more accurate representation of the organization’s services and mission. (CatalystCenter.org)

Nominations are open for five different awards: Entrepreneur of the Year, ‘Intrapreneur’ of the Year, Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Creative Entrepreneur of the Year and Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year.

“The Catalyst is pleased to bring back the Entrepreneur Awards for the third year as part of Innovate Huntsville Week,” Williams said. “This event focuses on celebrating the accomplishments of the talented entrepreneurs we have right here in our community.”

“The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Huntsville is now stronger than ever. This is the year to celebrate our entrepreneurs and their biggest accomplishments,” Erin Bloxham Curtis said. Curtis is Chief Operating Officer for The Catalyst.

“The 2018 Entrepreneur Awards are our chance to recognize and support the amazing entrepreneurs that make this city thrive,” Curtis said.

Nominees can self-nominate or nominate an individual in North Alabama. For applications or to nominate, visit InnovateHSV.com. Deadline for nominations is Jan. 29. The Catalyst will accept applications until Jan. 31.

A panel of independent entrepreneurs, successful business leaders, investors and community advocates will judge all applications. Applications are judged on merit only derived from the information submitted in the application spanning company overview, strategic direction, future growth and community involvement.

Organizers will keep all information confidential. Winners will be announced at the 2018 Entrepreneur Awards on March 1.

The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship’s address is 515 Sparkman Drive in Huntsville. For more information, call 256-428-8190, email info@catalystcenter.org or visit catalystcenter.org or InnovateHSV.com.