UF entrepreneurs to be honored at inaugural Gator100 Awards

January 27, 2015

Wondering which University of Florida alumnus’ company has experienced the highest revenue growth over the past three years?

The answer will be provided at the inaugural Gator100 Awards Feb. 6 at the J. Wayne Reitz Union’s Grand Ballroom.

The Gator100, sponsored by UF, the Warrington College of Business Administration and the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, ranks the 100 fastest-growing Gator-owned or Gator-led businesses each year.

The UF entrepreneurship scene has blossomed thanks to numerous initiatives, including the creation of Innovation Square, CEI’s successful outreach programs, increased entrepreneurial collaboration among colleges and many startup companies operating in Gainesville and employing UF students and alumni. The Gator100 is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate their success and provide a forum for these innovative entrepreneurs to interact with each other, the UF community and area business leaders.

“The Gator100 will bring together an amazing group of successful, innovative and inspiring entrepreneurs from across the state of Florida and from across the country,” said Nola Miyasaki, executive director of outreach and incubation at CEI. “The university is extremely proud of these Gator entrepreneurs, and is pleased to have the opportunity to celebrate their success on campus with our students and faculty. We look forward to honoring them and inducting them into the Gator100 record books.”

To qualify for the Gator100, companies must have been in business for five years or more as of September 2014, and have had verifiable annual revenues of $100,000 or more in 2011. Additionally, a UF alumnus or alumni must have met one of the following three leadership criteria:

  1. Owned 50 percent or more of the company from Jan. 1, 2011, through Dec. 31, 2013; or   
  2. Served as company’s chief executive from Jan. 1, 2011, through Dec. 31, 2013; or  
  3. Founded the company and been active as a member of the most senior management team from Jan. 1, 2011, through Dec. 31, 2013.

The awards luncheon begins at noon. The keynote speaker for the event is entrepreneur, investor and former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Gartner Group, Manny Fernandez (BSEE ’67).

Individual seats, preferred table seats and corporate sponsorships are still available. Please contact Michelle Helmer, director of Outreach, at michelle.helmer@warrington.ufl.edu or Nola Miyasaki, executive director of Outreach and Incubation, at nola.miyasaki@warrington.ufl.edu. You may also visit gator100.ufl.edu/events.asp for more information.