Next week, the Entrepreneur Fund will honor local entrepreneurs and small business owners with the first ever Distinction Awards.

They say the awards are meant to “spotlight businesses that exemplify entrepreneurial excellence and play a pivotal role in driving regional economic growth.”

“When we set out to do this, we just realized that entrepreneurs really sacrifice a ton to create wonderful communities, economic impact,” Entrepreneur Fund Director of Strategic Partnerships Martha Bremer said. “And we really wanted to raise them up.

The business owners receiving awards are from Duluth, Hermantown, Superior, Tower, and beyond.

The honorees will be celebrated at an event from 4-8 p.m. next Wednesday, Oct. 25, at the DECC’s Paulucci Hall. Bremer said they are trying to break through “that stale award show.” The honorees will each have a “behind-the-business” session where they share about what has made them successful. There will also be a food and beverage showcase instead of a sit-down dinner.