The 2017 EDAWN Entrepreneurial Support Awards recognize innovative and collaborative contributions of individuals and resources that impact the growth and development of local communities. This year the Entrepreneurial Educator of the Year and Best Entrepreneurial Hub awards will be presented to a College of Business faculty member and to a regional resource of the University of Nevada, Reno.

David Croasdell, the Charles and Ruth Hopping Professor of Entrepreneurship and chairman of the Department of Information Systems in the College of Business, was named Entrepreneurial Educator of the Year. "Earning this award helps validate the efforts of numerous people at the University and across the community. Establishing a bridge between the University and the community has been a consistent goal since I first became involved in entrepreneurial efforts at the University in 2009," said Croasdell, who serves as director of the Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition, on the faculty of the University's Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship and as the University's NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative. One of his primary roles to enhance entrepreneurship stems from directing the Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition. The alumnus-sponsored award was created in 2011, from a generous donation from Rick Sontag, as an effort to develop the entrepreneurial capacities of students. Croasdell previously received the 2016 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award presented by the Nevada District office of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The Innevation Center University of Nevada, Reno was named Best Entrepreneurial Hub of the year. The four-story facility in downtown Reno is a catalyst for technological innovation, entrepreneurial activities and the incubation of start ups. 

"It is validation that we are accomplishing what we set out to do: build a welcoming space where university, local, and regional entrepreneurs can come together and do interesting things" Ellen Purpus, assistant vice president for enterprise and innovation, said of the award. "When the Innevation Center is recognized, the division and the entire university are recognized as being important contributors to the economic well-being of Nevada. It is also another way of getting the word out about what we are doing."

The Innevation Center is designed to empower and facilitate the next generation of innovators and leaders. Home to the Nevada Advanced Autonomous Systems Innovation Center and Nevada Industry Excellence, it provides a collaborative environment for students, faculty, creatives, developers and emerging companies to transform their ideas into reality. The Innevation Center members have access to mentors and networking opportunities with potential investors, plus use the facility's maker spaces and meetings rooms.  

"The (Innevation Center) is an incredible resource for the Reno community," Croasdell said. "The vision and leadership to establish a hub for innovation and start up activities is helping Reno foster a vibrant entrepreneurial community."