Distinction Awards
The 2026 Entrepreneur Fund
Celebrating Regional Business Excellence
May
2026
7
Lake Superior BallRoom - DECC
Duluth, MN
The Distinction Awards bring together the region’s most innovative and high-growth entrepreneurs for an evening that blends inspiration, recognition, and meaningful connection. Designed for business leaders who want to learn from peers, build new relationships, and celebrate some of the boldest companies in our region, this event offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
2026 Event Schedule
Doors Open & Registration
Behind-the-Business Panels
Awards Ceremony & Celebration
Night Market
Event Concludes
Behind-the-Business Panels
Step into the stories behind the success. Our honorees will open up about the pivotal moments, obstacles overcome, and breakthroughs that brought them to where they are today. These engaging, interactive panel conversations bring their journeys to life—complete with the wins, the setbacks, and the wisdom gained along the way. Panel topics coming soon.
Night Market
New this year! Step into a lounge‑style experience where you can connect with honorees and regional business leaders up close. Enjoy hand‑selected local food and drinks crafted by innovative entrepreneurs as you network and spark meaningful relationships in this relaxed setting.
Networking
Connect with our distinguished award winners and other visionary business leaders throughout the evening. Engage in enlightening conversations and forge meaningful connections with the best and brightest in the industry from our region.
Award Ceremony & Celebration
Come together to honor the remarkable achievements of these standout business owners. Let’s celebrate the impact they’ve made on our communities and greater regional economy and raise a toast to a future filled with possibility, progress, and shared prosperity.
2026 Distinction Honorees
Meet the visionaries, innovators, and disruptors defining our region’s future. This year’s honorees were selected for the bold impact they’re making right now.
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Kelly O’Toole & Andrea Altmann
Delivering exceptional product quality and OEM-integrated custom solutions across diverse sectors, Aluminum Cabinet Company has grown into a national industry leader through innovation, adaptability, and strategic market expansion.
Anna and Nathanael Bailey
From major venue showcases to partnerships with globally recognized brands, BB + Friends channels innovation and authenticity to amplify local art across the region with accessible products and multi-channel reach.
Andrew and Maryna Archer
Driving a bold shift toward technology and innovation, BotCrew is reshaping the solar and construction industries by leveraging robotics, AI, and strategic partnerships to deliver real-world, future-focused solutions.
David Bretting
With a legacy of family leadership and a forward‑looking approach to innovation and acquisition, Bretting Manufacturing has strengthened its industry position while deepening its impact across the region.
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Eric Faust
Intentional scaling with a deeply people‑focused approach, Duluth Coffee Company elevates industry standards while shaping the region’s small business landscape through mentorship, collaboration, and strategic investment.
Jason Hancock
Through strategic expansion and integration into essential supply chains, this family business has transformed from a small local job shop into a national manufacturing leader, influencing regional economic strength.
2026 Night Market
Take a sneak peek at the delicious food and beverage vendors joining us for the 2026 Night Market! We'll be expanding the lineup as the event approaches. Stay tuned!
Duluth Grill
Ursa Minor Brewing
The Frybread Shack
Love Creamery
Rapids Brewing Co.
Uffda Kombucha
White Winter Mead, Cider & Spirits
Voyageur Donuts
Crepes Amour
Juice Pharm
Rose Cottage Bakery
The Gumbeaux Guys
What a fun evening! The moment we stepped into the hall we knew it wasn't going to be a typical "sit at a table, eat chicken, visit with the stranger next to you" type of night. Being in a room full of other risk takers was refreshing, motivating and totally inspirational. The award winners were awesome and a reminder that we're all just regular people doing the hard work. We loved it and look forward to whatever the EFund plans for next year!
Lyndsey Johnson
The Distinction Awards was a meaningful event that honored those who collaborated with and were supported by EFund in making their visions come true. This night was a great opportunity to not only celebrate those who were awarded with honors, but more importantly gave the opportunity to learn from these successful entrepreneurs and to network with all in attendance. It was a meaningful night and worth attending!
Andrea Altmann
The Entrepreneur Fund’s inaugural Distinction Awards was an opportunity to showcase the best and brightest small business owners in our region. The courage, dedication, and passion these leaders have for their businesses, families, workers, and communities was on full display. Their stories left our attendees feeling inspired and optimistic about the future of entrepreneurism in the Northland.
Arik Forsman
It was so inspiring to see and hear the stories of our entrepreneurs’ journey. One of our honorees shared stories of people who have grown with him over twenty years, to not only become leaders in business, but leaders in the community.
Dustin Goslin
The Distinction Awards are a purposeful mix of education, socialization, and celebration. There is no better showcase of the thriving businesses in the region and event where the collective energy ignites a fresh passion for business growth in our area.
Brady Erickson
Past Distinction Awards
Presented By
