For the past 12 years, PS27 Ventures has connected small business startups with more than $50 million in venture capital.
In 2026, the organization’s foundation will present its first awards to honor business innovators in Northeast Florida.
The PS27 Entrepreneurship Awards, branded “The Oscars” for entrepreneurship in Jacksonville, is 6-8 p.m. Jan. 22, 2026, at St. Johns Event Center at 12760 Beach Blvd. The Jacksonville Daily Record is the media sponsor of the event.
“We recognize sports figures and entertainers. This event lets entrepreneurs know they are just like that and they deserve recognition,” PS27 founder and CEO Jim Stallings said.
“We will have a red carpet and paparazzi. We want the entrepreneurs to feel like they are in Hollywood.”
Nominations are open until May 18 for awards in five categories:
• The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes a passionate and purpose-driven leader who has achieved remarkable success in business, taking care of their customers and their people. They share their success by giving back to the community and serving as a role model for their fellow founders.
• The Ecosystem Builder of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has dedicated their career to supporting entrepreneurship by using their platform to connect founders with the resources they need to build successful businesses. As an educator, influencer and connector, this individual has had a direct impact on building Jacksonville as a thriving place to build a business.
• The Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes a passionate and purpose-driven military veteran leader. This individual has achieved remarkable success in business, taking care of their customers and their people. This nominee shares their success by giving back to the community and serving as a role model for their fellow founders.
• Corporate Innovator of the Year will be presented to a company that helps Jacksonville entrepreneurs find partners and customers. This organization shares advice and insights on how to improve the founder’s business model and technology. The Corporate Innovator of the Year provides their resources and team to directly work with the founder to grow their business.
• Mentor of the Year recognizes a dedicated individual who helps entrepreneurs navigate their startup challenges. They are genuinely invested in the success of the founders they coach, offering valuable advice. This award honors an individual who provides guidance, their personal time, and significant hours to navigate the startup journey.
Stallings said a 10-member committee of local CEOs and other business leaders will review the nominations and select the recipients.
Five levels of sponsorship are available from $5,000 to $50,000. Individual tickets are $175, $300 for a pair. Corporate tables with eight seats are $2,000.
Visit https://ps27foundation.org/ for the nomination form, sponsorship details and to purchase tickets.