Six Regional Businesses to Be Recognized at 2026 Distinction Awards

Six high‑growth, regional businesses will be recognized at the 2026 Entrepreneur Fund Distinction Awards on May 7, 2026, at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.

Presented by Wells Fargo, the event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Lake Superior Ballroom and brings together growth-driven entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community stakeholders for an evening focused on peer learning, recognition, and connection.  

“High-achieving entrepreneurs have told us they are looking for candid insights from those who have successfully navigated expansion,” said Shawn Wellnitz, CEO and President of the Entrepreneur Fund. “The Distinction Awards create a setting where those conversations can happen naturally while also recognizing the businesses whose innovation and leadership are strengthening our regional economy.”

From garage and pick-up truck beginnings to manufacturing leaders expanding into new markets and creative technology-driven companies building national reach, this year’s honorees reflect a range of industries and growth paths.  

The evening opens with Behind-the-Business panels, featuring small-group conversations with the honorees about scaling rural-based companies in national and international markets and sustaining core values and mission during growth. An awards ceremony follows, recognizing their leadership, innovation, and regional impact.  

2026 Distinction Award Honorees:

• Aluminum Cabinet Company, Hermantown, Minn. — Premium product offering and growth through new customer segments.

• BB + Friends, Duluth — National brand-building of art business through multi-channel reach.

• BotCrew, Duluth — Scaled innovation for industry disruption in construction & solar industry.  

• Bretting Manufacturing, Ashland, Wis. — Global industry leadership through localized innovation and growth.

• Duluth Coffee Company, Duluth — Brand integrity and expansion via multi-channel model.  

• Hancock Fabrication, Angora, Minn. — Innovation and expansion of rural-based manufacturer.

The event concludes with a Night Market, offering a relaxed environment for conversation and connection alongside food and beverages from a dozen regional entrepreneurs.

Doors open at 4:00 p.m., with panels beginning at 4:15 p.m.  

Reserve your tickets at efund.org/awards.  

‍