SIDNEY, Neb. – Entrepreneurs and business advocates from Sidney and Cheyenne County are among those being recognized through the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Light It Up Awards, which celebrate innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship across Greater Nebraska.

The awards, presented by UNK’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Rural Development, highlight individuals and businesses making an impact through new ventures, community support and long-term growth. Winners will be announced during a public ceremony on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Discovery Hall on the UNK campus in Kearney.

Among this year’s nominees are Adam and Lindsey Price, founders of Price Cream Co. in Sidney. The couple is nominated in the Emerging Entrepreneur category, which honors individuals within the first two years of launching a business. Price Cream began as a family idea and has quickly become a popular craft ice cream brand in the Panhandle, recently announcing plans to open a permanent location in downtown Sidney.

Also nominated are Trent Santero and Mike Riddle of Nexgen Outfitters, based in Sidney. The pair are recognized in the Excellence in Entrepreneurship category, which honors seasoned business owners who have demonstrated ongoing growth and leadership within the small business community.

Alisha Juelfs was selected in the Entrepreneurship Advocate category for her work with E3 Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Sidney and Cheyenne County. Juelfs is credited with supporting new business development and fostering an environment of economic opportunity throughout the region.

Luke Mills, with FiJack Entertainment and supporter of Sidney's Downtown Sounds summer concert series, was also nominated in the Emerging Entrepreneur category.

The Light It Up Awards celebrate student entrepreneurs, alumni, startup founders and community champions throughout Nebraska. The event is open to the public.