Henry Bloch believed in hard work that generates success and using that success to give back to the Kansas City community. Henry once said “We love to test things. No matter how good an idea sounds, test it first.” This year’s honorees have tested their ideas and the systems they’re part of, asking how they work, and how they could be different. In so doing, each one has changed their industry and community for the better.
The Entrepreneur of the Year Awards event has been an iconic Kansas City tradition since 1985. Beyond its philanthropic cause, this event is a valuable forum where Kansas City CEOs & entrepreneurs, business owners, industry legends, world-class faculty and students alike are able to celebrate a common passion. The event is delivered by the Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, in partnership with the Regnier Institute Advisory Council. The event celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit by honoring continued innovative and creative accomplishments, as well as inspiring a new generation of successful entrepreneurs.
All proceeds from sponsorships and donations directly benefit the Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation & student and community programs. The Regnier Institute at the Bloch School focuses on connecting students and community members with a comprehensive combination of world-class research, renowned faculty, cutting-edge curriculum, and experimental programs driven to deliver results and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Join us as we celebrate a legacy of entrepreneurship that lives on in Kansas City.
Henry W. Bloch International Entrepreneur of the Year &
Bloch Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Inductee
Marcelo Claure, Founder & CEO of Claure Group, Founder of Brightstar
Kansas City Entrepreneurs of the Year
Chris Long, Founder and CEO of Palmer Square Capital Management and Co-Founder and Owner of KC Current
Angie Long, CIO of Palmer Square Capital Management and Co-Founder and Owner of KC Current
Marion and John Kreamer Award for Social Entrepreneurship
David Johnson, Founder Chicken N Pickle and CEO of Maxus Realty Trust
Student Entrepreneur of the Year
Lesly Romo
Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023
Copaken Stage | H&R Block Headquarters
1 H&R Block Way
Kansas City, MO
5:30 p.m. — Reception and Student Venture Showcase Opens
7 p.m.— Awards program begins
Dress: Business
Please consider making a donation to support our students and programming. You can make a donation online or contact Matt McDonough, Senior Director of Development Bloch School of Management, at mmcdonough@umkcfoundation.org.
Laura K. Moore
Senior Program Coordinator
Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
816-235-2340
moorelk@umkc.edu
Matt McDonough
Director of Major Giving for the Bloch School of Management
816-235-6623
mmcdonough@umkcfoundation.org
For general inquiries contact eoy@umkc.edu
