GEA Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards

 

Since its founding in 2012, the Georgetown Entrepreneurship Alliance has represented the voices of entrepreneurs among Georgetown’s alumni community. The GEA is proud to confer the Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards to celebrate the contributions of alumni entrepreneurs who embody and exemplify a passion for innovation and the Georgetown spirit of “people for others.”

2026 GEA Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards 

Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Leonsis Venture Lab at WeWork

200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Registration will open in late August.

2026 Awardees

Entrepreneur of the Year
GenNx360 Capital Partners

Rising Star
EdSights

Outstanding Investor
WestCap

Best of Social Impact
The Global Good Fund

Best of Hospitality
Antonelli’s Cheese

Best of Hospitality
Antonelli’s Cheese

Best of Retail & Consumer Products
MasPanadas

Best of Technology
Trustible

Award Categories

  • Entrepreneur of the Year

    This award recognizes an outstanding Hoyapreneur for their achievements as a creator, innovator, and leader in the field of entrepreneurship. Nominees are dedicated to going above and beyond to support the entrepreneurial community at Georgetown University.

  • Outstanding Investor

    This award is given to a successful investor or venture capitalist who shows dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation and supporting entrepreneurship.

  • Rising Star

    This award is given to a newly minted Hoyapreneur, showing excellence in contribution, commitment, and passion. Nominees are eligible if they are either: a) 10 years or less from graduation, or b) demonstrably have been in small-business/startups/entrepreneurship for fewer than five years.

  • Best of Retail and Consumer Products

    This award is given to individuals or organizations that are either Hoya owned/operated/founded/cofounded, recognizing excellence in a retail or consumer product business.

  • Best of Hospitality

    This award is given to individuals or organizations that are either Hoya owned/operated/founded/cofounded, recognizing excellence in the restaurant/hotel business and/or food/beverage sector.

  • Best of Social Impact

    This award recognizes a Hoya owned/operated/founded/cofounded startup or small business (either for-profit or non-profit) whose mission and core values remain at the forefront of all business decisions and may include a 1:1 give-back model, percentage donated to charity, environmentally/socially responsible product or service, etc.

  • Best of Technology

    This award recognizes excellence in the tech sector and may include any Hoya owned/operated/founded/cofounded business or operation that services finance, social, education, enterprise wearables, or government sectors.

Advice from Past Honorees

alumni posing