Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Nominations Now Being Accepted for Inaugural EDDIE Awards Celebrating Achievements of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

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Nominations Now Being Accepted for Inaugural EDDIE Awards Celebrating Achievements of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

There’s no doubt entrepreneurs with disabilities are innovators and creators with the innate ability to transform the world with their distinct experiences and skillsets


ATLANTA (PRWEB)

Synergies Work, an Atlanta nonprofit that supports entrepreneurs with disabilities, today announced it is now accepting nominations for the inaugural EDDIE Awards, created to recognize and celebrate innovative business owners with disabilities from across the country. The first-ever awards event will be held in March in Atlanta, with a specific date, time, and venue to be announced.

“There’s no doubt entrepreneurs with disabilities are innovators and creators with the innate ability to transform the world with their distinct experiences and skillsets,” said Aarti Sahgal, CEO and founder of Synergies Work. “The EDDIE Awards are the first awards in the United States to spotlight these entrepreneurs who are using their talents to not only make an economic impact but are also inspiring others within the disability community.”

Nominations in the following categories are being accepted now through January 6:


  • Entrepreneur of the Year — an ambitious, innovative entrepreneur leading the way forward for both their industry and the disability community by building an equitable, sustainable business.

  • Creativity Award — an entrepreneur making an impact on the world through any form of creative media such as art, music, fashion, film, and writing.

  • Newcomer Award — an entrepreneur who has launched their business within the last 12 months and is providing an innovative solution in their industry.

  • Social Impact Award — a leader on a mission to change their community and the larger world. Their business not only has an economic impact but works to solve inequities and address systemic problems.

  • Techpreneur Award — an entrepreneur who is using technology to innovate, change, and expand the realm of possibility for their industry.

To read the full application requirements and to apply for an EDDIE Award, go here.

Additionally, The EDDIE Awards will feature The People’s Favorite Award recognizing an entrepreneur who not only excels in their business but is also a peer and partner favorite. Nominations for this award will be accepted beginning January 9, 2023.

Become a Founding Sponsor of the EDDIE Awards

Corporations and organizations have the opportunity to be a founding sponsor of the EDDIE Awards, helping to shine a spotlight on deserving and talented entrepreneurs with disabilities. Sponsorships are available at multiple levels, with each offering a range of benefits.

To learn more about founding sponsorship opportunities, go here.

“The mission of Synergies Work is to bridge the economic, opportunity, and network gaps between the disability and business community,” said Sahgal. “Corporate partners and organizations, including founding sponsors of the EDDIE Awards, have the opportunity to help support Synergies Work programs which to date have supported over 200 entrepreneurs and helped launch over 70 new startups. We’ve committed to the goal of supporting one million new entrepreneurs with disabilities by 2027. As we build toward this ambitious goal, the EDDIE Awards is an important way for us to celebrate and recognize the entrepreneurial movement within the disabled community. We hope that corporations and organizations will share in our enthusiasm by taking part in our awards sponsorship program.”

A video that tells the Synergies Work story can be viewed here.

About Synergies Work

Founded in 2016, Synergies Work is the largest business incubator and accelerator for entrepreneurs with disabilities in the United States. The organization serves entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey—from ideation to exit. With the goal of building one world where people with disabilities belong, Synergies Work helps entrepreneurs with disabilities launch, grow, and maintain sustainable small businesses. Its approach is based on a fundamental belief that all individuals have boundless talent, an inherent curiosity to explore, and a passion to succeed. Synergies Work has received the Dave Hammis Innovation Award from the APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First) and received second place and Audience Favorite grants from Truist Foundation’s Inspire Awards. The nonprofit is also part of the Moonshot Initiative in partnership with SmartJob and Enable Ventures which was announced at the Clinton Global Initiative. For more information on Synergies Work, visit http://www.synergieswork.org or contact the organization at synergies@synergieswork.org.

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