Entrepreneur of the Year

Annual S. Clark Butler Entrepreneurship Awards

The Warrington College of Business Administration's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation honors Clark Butler of Gainesville, FL by presenting the Annual Entrepreneurship Awards. These awards will honor successful entrepreneurs whose success stories can serve as an inspiration for entrepreneurial students, faculty, staff and alumni. The awards will also help bring the world of entrepreneurship into UF's classrooms where award winners will share their experiences, encouragements, and wisdom with graduate and undergraduate students.

The program is supported by the Clark Butler Endowment. Mr. Clark Butler is CEO of Butler Enterprises and has been in Business in Gainesville since 1939. He served six years as a City Commissioner beginning in 1951, and was Mayor of Gainesville in 1954-55. Mr. Butler was awarded the Distinguished Entrepreneur for Lifetime Achievement in 2002.

Award Categories

• Distinguished Alumnus Entrepreneur of the Year
  To recognize the lifetime career accomplishments of a UF alumnus who has distinguished himself/herself in an entrepreneurial venture and in doing so has brought distinction to the University of Florida.
• Clark Butler Entrepreneur of the Year
  To be presented to an outstanding UF alumnus under 45 who has created a successful entrepreneurial venture and has brought recognition to the University of Florida.
• Gainesville Entrepreneur of the Year
  To the individual who has done the most to foster entrepreneurial opportunities within Gainesville.

These awards recognize the achievements of the individual who best exemplifies the ideals of entrepreneurship in any or all of the following ways:

• Have been a founder and chief executive officer of one or more entrepreneurial ventures.
• Contributed to the private enterprise systems in ways that are an inspiration to others.
• Used his or her business skills and creativity to enrich humanity.
• Conducted his or her business and personal relationships with the highest integrity.
• Brought credit and distinction to the University of Florida through his or her success and personal conduct.

In addition to these annual awards, CEI will from time to time recognize an individual with the Distinguished Entrepreneur for Lifetime Achievement award.

Contact CEI at for a nomination packet.