Henry W. Bloch
School of Management

Entrepreneur of the Year

Honoring visionary leaders who have shaped entrepreneurship.

About Entrepreneur of the Year

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.

The Cause

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.


39th Annual Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

2025 Honorees

Henry W. Bloch International Entrepreneur of the Year
Craig Venter, Founder, Chair and CEO of J. Craig Venter Institute

Kansas City Entrepreneur of the Year and Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Inductee
Peter Mallouk, President and CEO, Creative Planning

Marion and John Kreamer Award for Social Entrepreneurship
Father Justin Mathews, CEO of Reconciliation Services and Founder of Thelma's Kitchen

Student Entrepreneur of the Year
Coming Soon  

 

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Copaken Stage | H&R Block Headquarters
1 H&R Block Way
Kansas City, MO
 
5:30 pm - Registration and Student Venture Showcase Opens
7:00 pm - Awards program begins  

 

View Past Honorees

Contact Us

More Information

Laura K. Moore
Senior Program Coordinator
Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
816-235-2340
moorelk@umkc.edu

Sponsorship Information

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

AACSB Accredited NASPAA Accredited - The commission on peer review and accredidatation