November is National Entrepreneurship Month. For the sixth consecutive year, Winsupply Inc. and the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce (DACC) have partnered to recognize small business owners in the region.

The winner of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce 2026 Winsupply Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence was presented with an award during the Chamber's November Breakfast Briefing on November 13.

The 2026 winner is: Wesley Hartshorn, Founder, The Silos, Dayton

Wesley Hartshorn is one of three founders of The Silos, an urban food hall and entertainment destination in downtown Dayton opened in 2025. The Silos partner with food vendors who lease space to incubate and grow their own restaurant concepts. In part, Wes financed the venture through an SBA loan and commercial bank loan using the equity from his rental properties he built over the course of 18 years. Wes developed just over 20 abandoned properties in Dayton where he and his family live. The mantra is to be the change you want to see in the world. The Silos group brought new life to a dilapidated downtown property and have employed over 50 people. The Silos attracts thousands of visitors to Dayton who see the beauty built here and set the tone for a city where people are investing and creating.

Launched in 2021, the Winsupply Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence recognizes individuals who exemplify the American entrepreneurial spirit. Through their creativity, resilience, and determination, they have established and nurtured successful business ventures in the Dayton region, according to DACC.

"Dayton continues to prove it's a place where entrepreneurs can thrive," said Chris Kershner, president and CEO, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. "Our business community is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and support for one another."

Awardees are selected by a panel of business experts, entrepreneurs, and regional leaders.

Past winners include: 

Aaron Davis, Reliant Search Group, and Whitney Sharp, Kramers Tavern and CareHub, (2025); Sarah Jordan, Skuld LLC, and Justin Simmons, Tony & Pete's, (2024); Danielle Edwards, Sweet P's Ice Pops, and Ken Edge, Infinity Labs, (2023); Jeremy Turner, Apply Pressure Washing & Restoration, and Betsy Westhafer, The Congruity Group, (2022); and Errin Siske, Spark Space Creative, and Andrew Banks II, Performance Wraps, (2021).