Synergies Work, an Atlanta nonprofit supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities, today announced the 15 finalists across five categories for its 3rd annual EDDIE Awards taking place Thursday, September 25, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta. To learn about the finalists and their respective categories, go here. 

One winner will be named in each category. Additionally, an Entrepreneur of the Year selected from the finalists will receive a $10,000 grand prize to further their business aspirations.

Honored guests and speakers at this year’s black-tie event include Steven Braskamp, Executive Vice President of Capital One; Maria Town, President and CEO of American Association of People with Disabilities; and Andrew J. Young, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and two-term Mayor of Atlanta. During the event, Young will receive Synergies Work’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long work as a civil rights activist and leader.

Entertainment includes musical performers and brothers Dom & Sean Kelly of the acclaimed band A Fragile Tomorrow (Dom is also President and CEO of New Disabled South), and Deshaymond Solomon, known as the "Blind Savage," a singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur redefining what it means to be blind. 

“Now in its third year, the EDDIE Awards showcase the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of the disability community—and this year’s finalists have raised the bar even higher,” said Aarti Sahgal, Founder & CEO of Synergies Work. “We’re inspired by the talent and innovation we’ve seen from across the nation. These entrepreneurs aren’t just growing; they’re redefining the future of business—and reinforcing our commitment to invest in ability and equity.”

Judges for this year’s EDDIE Awards include Al McRae, President of Bank of America Atlanta; Shakir Moin, President of Marketing, Coca-Cola North America; Stephen Ewell, Executive Director of Consumer Technology Association Foundation; Jason Bearden, Market President and CEO of CareSource Georgia; Tasha Allen, Vice President, People & Corporate Citizenship, Georgia Chamber of Commerce; Lachi, CEO of RAMPD (Recording Artists & Music Professionals with Disabilities); Melissa Pomeroy, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Cooperative Credit Union Association; and Bryan Clagett, Managing Partner of Jamestown Associates Virginia.      

Become an EDDIE Awards Sponsor

The EDDIE Awards harness the support of leaders committed to cultivating disability-led entrepreneurship and economic inclusion. This year’s sponsors include: CareSource, ZenBusiness, Georgia Advocacy Office, The Coca-Cola Foundation, Southern Company, Great Lakes Credit Union, Cooperative Credit Union Association, Hypepotamus, Lighthouse Credit Union, Wise, and Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Information on remaining sponsorships can be found here.

“The EDDIEs are a powerful celebration of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity,” said Ruby Moore, Co-Chair of this year’s event and CEO of the Georgia Advocacy Office. “The creativity and drive we’re seeing from our entrepreneurs is extraordinary, and it’s a joy to honor their accomplishments while helping to build a more inclusive and vibrant business ecosystem.” 

Tickets for the September 25 event are still available but are selling quickly. Attendees will enjoy food and entertainment prior to the awards ceremony. Ticket information can be found here.

All 15 finalists will receive an all‑expenses‑paid trip to the EDDIE Awards to participate in the evening’s celebration. Remaining proceeds from the event will be reinvested in Synergies Work’s free programs that support entrepreneurs with disabilities.

To date, Synergies Work has served over 300 founders nationwide and helped launch numerous startups.

Big News: Synergies Seed Fund Launches First Loans

Synergies Work announced today that the Synergies Seed Fund (SSF)—a pioneering Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) expanding access to capital for underrepresented entrepreneurs, including people with disabilities—has issued its first loans. SSF is a nonprofit lender that looks beyond credit history, offering competitive loans alongside practical guidance and real-world connections. The goal: to help small business owners build independent, resilient ventures that strengthen local economies and create an economy driven by talent, not credit scores. More information can be found here.