Prism Awards 2026: Impact After Dark
Thank you to everyone who joined us on July 16, 2026 at COATI for the 9th Annual PRISM Awards: Impact After Dark. Together, we celebrated the businesses and entrepreneurs using enterprise as a force for good and honored purpose-driven leaders creating measurable social and environmental change across Southern Colorado.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Social Impact Startup of the Year
Social Impact Business of the Year
Social Impact Startup of the Year
New social impact business that is less than 3 years old.
For Social Impact Startup of the Year, we are looking for a Social Impact business that has recently incorporated social impact strategies that can clearly demonstrate their future vision and how they are going to achieve it. This vision shows opportunities for growth and a creative
New social impact business that is less than 3 years old.
For Social Impact Startup of the Year, we are looking for a Social Impact business that has recently incorporated social impact strategies that can clearly demonstrate their future vision and how they are going to achieve it. This vision shows opportunities for growth and a creative approach to problem-solving.
This award recognizes a young Social Impact business that has a clear model for their impact as well as strong measurement of the model’s effectiveness. We are looking for a business that utilizes ongoing problem-solving techniques that engage and enhance the community.
In addition to having a clear vision, we are also looking for clear implementation strategies and the potential for future success.
Social Entrepreneur of the Year
Social Impact Business of the Year
Social Impact Startup of the Year
Recognizing an individual blending business & mission to lead transformative change.
We consider a Social Entrepreneur someone who achieves systemic and sustainable social change through innovation, a unique approach to a product or service, an innovative partnership or a redesign of known technologies or strategies, or a combination of t
Recognizing an individual blending business & mission to lead transformative change.
We consider a Social Entrepreneur someone who achieves systemic and sustainable social change through innovation, a unique approach to a product or service, an innovative partnership or a redesign of known technologies or strategies, or a combination of these.
A Social Entrepreneur focuses first and foremost on the social and/or ecological value creation while optimizing the financial value creation. For this award, we are seeking someone who can innovate with direct impact to a population, cause or industry by finding a new product, a new service, or a new approach to a social problem.
A social entrepreneur might be the lead of an organization from the top but can also be someone who excels within the ranks of the organization as a driver for change and impact. This person continuously refines and adapts their approach in response to feedback and has demonstrated Social Impact that is measurable and apparent.
Social Impact Business of the Year
Social Impact Business of the Year
Social Impact Business of the Year
Honoring an established social impact business that is more than 3 years old with demonstrated and measurable social or environmental change.
A Social Impact business is an established entity that has been operating for three years or more, with a clearly defined social, environmental and/or community impact, that also shows sustainabilit
Honoring an established social impact business that is more than 3 years old with demonstrated and measurable social or environmental change.
A Social Impact business is an established entity that has been operating for three years or more, with a clearly defined social, environmental and/or community impact, that also shows sustainability in terms of profit and growth. The Social Impact Business of the Year has a clear and articulate Social Impact Model which is regularly shared and understood in the community with articulated plans for the future.
The Social Impact Business of the Year shows the ability to measure their impact as well as demonstrate a high degree of customer satisfaction. This business’s culture and leadership are presented as drivers of the business’s success, and employees at multiple levels contribute actively to that culture.
Innovation and creativity are clearly a part of everyday discussions and decisions and is encouraged at multiple levels of the organizations. The Social Impact Business of the Year is recognized repeatedly for their work and is considered a subject matter expert on a Social Impact business topic according to at least one other source.
2026 PRISM Award Winners
Social Impact Start Up of the Year
Social Impact Start Up of the Year
Social Impact Start Up of the Year
They were recognized for strengthening family relationships and meaningful connections through shared outdoor experiences, creating space for youth and adults to build trust, communication, and lasting bonds.
Huge congratulations to this year’s finalists, who are also redefining what it means to build with purpose from day one. Forward Together Co. creates space for adults, youth, and families to move forward with support, structure, and connection, providing real-life tools that help build stability, confidence, and routine. The Global Volunteer Recognition Program shines a light on volunteers by celebrating their service, supporting their growth as leaders, and inspiring even more people to make a difference.
The Social Impact Startup of the Year award recognizes a rising business that is less than three years old, with a bold vision, a strong impact model, and a creative approach to solving social challenges.
Social Entrepreneur of the Year
Social Impact Start Up of the Year
Social Impact Start Up of the Year
Sandi Griffin
She was honored for her inspiring work in health and wellness, empowering individuals to build confidence, resilience, and healthier lifestyles while creating positive change in the community.
Congratulations to this year’s finalists, who also embodied that spirit in powerful and personal ways. Amber Richman is expanding access to wellness through Cambio Yoga’s welcoming, donation-based model, creating a space where everyone can experience connection and well-being regardless of income. Kristen Sharpe is building community and empowering women and girls through Boss Babe Networking, combining storytelling-driven marketing with mentorship, leadership development, and resources that help purpose-driven businesses and the next generation grow with confidence.
The Social Entrepreneur of the Year award honors an individual who blends innovation, leadership, and purpose to create measurable impact. Whether through a groundbreaking business, a new service model, or as a changemaker within their field.
Social Impact Business of the Year
Social Impact Start Up of the Year
Social Impact Business of the Year
J9’s Luxury Auto Detailing
They were celebrated for combining excellence in automotive care with charitable giving, community fundraising, education, and support for organizations combating human trafficking—proving that even a small business can create a powerful ripple effect for good.
Congratulations to this year’s finalists, who were also leading with mission, vision, and heart. Bob Penkhus Motor Company has built a longstanding culture of service through school partnerships, youth programs, charitable giving, employee volunteerism, and support for local nonprofits. Rocky Mountain PACE is helping older adults maintain their health, independence, and quality of life through coordinated medical care, transportation, social engagement, wellness programs, and caregiver support.
The Social Impact Business of the Year award honors an established organization that has been operating for over three years and that consistently blends purpose with profitability to create lasting, measurable change.
About Southern Colorado Impact Group
What's your higher purpose?
Potential to change the world.
Potential to change the world.
"The PRISM Awards celebrate the innovation and achievements that move Colorado Springs forward. As CEO of the Southern Colorado Impact Group, I’m honored to witness the extraordinary talent and purpose-driven solutions these awards highlight each year.
More than individual recognition, the PRISM Awards reflect our community’s collective p
"The PRISM Awards celebrate the innovation and achievements that move Colorado Springs forward. As CEO of the Southern Colorado Impact Group, I’m honored to witness the extraordinary talent and purpose-driven solutions these awards highlight each year.
More than individual recognition, the PRISM Awards reflect our community’s collective progress and potential. By uplifting local talent and recognizing innovation, we strengthen our community and inspire others to pursue meaningful impact. As we look ahead, we remain committed to fostering creativity, progress, and purpose in Colorado Springs."
- Jonathan Liebert (Executive Director of the Southern Colorado Impact Group)
Potential to change the world.
Potential to change the world.
Potential to change the world.
"PRISM is my absolute favorite night of the year. The room buzzes not only with the excitement of an awards event, but also with good people who are savvy at business while being equally committed to making their community better. Social entrepreneurs are a rare breed—the ones who do it well. There is a fine balance between confidence an
"PRISM is my absolute favorite night of the year. The room buzzes not only with the excitement of an awards event, but also with good people who are savvy at business while being equally committed to making their community better. Social entrepreneurs are a rare breed—the ones who do it well. There is a fine balance between confidence and ego, heart and pity, business and greed—the latter of any of these toppling a true social impact model and its potential to change the world. I love that this night brings together the best of all of us, whether we have been in this space for a day or a decade. There is just nothing like it anywhere."
-Stacey Burns, (Founder and Principal of SDB Social Impact)
