U.S. Bank Joins the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards as Premier Sponsor

U.S. Bank expands its collaboration with the Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship at Cal State San Bernardino to become a key partner of the event.

The Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino recently announced long-time supporter, U.S. Bank, has become the Premier Sponsor for the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards.

In a historic first for the prestigious event, U.S. Bank will be recognized as the exclusive, highest-level sponsor of the annual black-tie gala celebration of innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial excellence in Inland Southern California.

Now in its 23rd year, the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards honors the region’s top entrepreneurial talent and has become one of the most anticipated business events in the region.

“We are honored to have U.S. Bank expand its longstanding support of the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards by becoming our exclusive Premier Sponsor in 2025,” said Dr. Mike Stull, Director of the Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship and founder of the Spirit Awards. “This milestone partnership marks an exciting new chapter in the event’s history and highlights the shared mission we have with U.S. Bank to champion and elevate entrepreneurs who are making a powerful impact in our region.”

As Premier Sponsor, U.S. Bank will play a key partnership role in supporting the event’s expansion and reach, helping to spotlight outstanding entrepreneurial achievements throughout the Inland Empire.

“At U.S. Bank, we are deeply committed to empowering business owners and entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed,” said Hector Zatarain, Senior Vice President, and Business Banking Market Manager at U.S. Bank. “Elevating our existing partnership with the Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship and the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards is a natural extension of our efforts to uplift the spirit of innovation and economic vitality in the Inland Empire and beyond.”

U.S. Bank has been an active partner of the Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship for many years, supporting a variety of programs and initiatives, including its location of the first Business Access Hub in California at the Entrepreneurial Resource Center (ERC) in Temecula. U.S. Bank Business Access advisors work from the ERC to serve local business owners and to help them grow and develop their businesses.

The 2025 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards will take place on November 18, 2025, at the Riverside Convention Center. Tickets and tables will be available for purchase beginning October 10, 2025.

For more information, visit www.spiritawardsie.com.