Jenna Leurquin Named First Recipient of the Arizona‑European Young Entrepreneur Award

Arizona's European business community gathered to celebrate entrepreneurial excellence and transatlantic ties at the first‑ever Arizona‑European Young Entrepreneur Award. 

PHOENIX, AZ – February 13, 2026 – The event took place on February 12 at the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library in Phoenix, gathering Arizona’s leading business figures, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), and representatives of the European diplomatic community. 

Supporting a new generation of entrepreneurs

An independent committee, composed of executives, entrepreneurs, and European Chambers of Commerce representatives, was in charge of selecting the award winner among the many applications they received from young entrepreneurs in the valley. Submissions reflected the breadth and creativity of Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, spanning classic car restoration, real estate, artisanal pastries, premium winemaking, solar cell manufacturing, climate risk mitigation, robotics, and charitable ventures. 

“The ACA is proud to support Arizona entrepreneurs with international ties from countries all over the world. Innovative, entrepreneurial mindsets are what make Arizona a premier destination for businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive—and we’re committed to supporting even more founders who call Arizona home.”

-Melissa Lamson, Executive Vice President of Venture Development & Innovation Strategy at Arizona Commerce Authority. 

The jury evaluated candidates based on several key criteria: innovation and uniqueness of the solution, business viability and scalability, integration within Arizona's business ecosystem, positive community, environmental and economic impact, and meaningful ties to the European continent. 

"The connection between Europe and Arizona continues to be strong due to the leadership of the various chambers and international partners in the region. Congrats to Jenna Leurquin and the rest of the entrepreneurs that are making such a vital impact to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Greater Phoenix."

-Thomas Maynard, Senior Vice President, Business Development at Greater Phoenix Economic Council

Jenna Leurquin, CEO of JL Patisserie, is the First Award-Winner 

The jury unanimously selected Jenna Leurquin, founder and CEO of JL Patisserie, as the first recipient of the Arizona‑European Young Entrepreneur Award. Originally from Belgium and trained at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, she founded JL Patisserie in 2018 and has since expanded it into a fast‑growing local brand with three locations across the Valley in Scottsdale, Central Phoenix, and Phoenix’s University area. Her concept stood out for its fusion of European craftsmanship with Arizona’s spirit of innovation, redefining how the community experiences artisanal pastries.

Guided by her European heritage and techniques, JL Patisserie brings cultural authenticity to Arizona while championing local ingredients, creating jobs within a team of 40 employees, and contributing to the state’s economy through community engagement and high‑quality food products. 

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition. It reflects not only my journey, but the unwavering support of my family and the dedication of our incredible team who bring our vision to life every day. I am proud to represent European tradition and pastry craftsmanship in the United States, working with European raw ingredients and honoring them through our work; seeing them so warmly appreciated makes it possible to do this every day. I am grateful for the encouragement of our community, and I hope our story inspires other entrepreneurs to take the leap. Thank you to everyone who continues to support us along the way.”

- Jenna Leurquin, founder and CEO of JL Patisserie. 

Strengthening Arizona-Europe cooperation 

Arizona has emerged as a cornerstone for multiple industries, offering tremendous opportunities in manufacturing, semiconductors, biotechnology, aerospace, and technology. European entrepreneurs play a growing role in this momentum. The Arizona‑European Young Entrepreneur Award provides its winner with visibility, mentorship, and access to a powerful transatlantic network that can accelerate business growth. 

This year’s initiative was supported by generous sponsors who will provide mentorship, prizes, and financial support: Salt River Project (SRP), Evian, FCT Strategies LLC, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, J.P. Morgan, Hardesty, LLC, Doug Kingston CPA, Savencia, French LSA, Headshots By Marie, Johan E. Magnusson, McBeth Marketing, Catalysis Inc., Cactus Cru. 

Given the success of this first edition, a second edition will be organized in 2027 with the recognition of a new entrepreneur.

About the Arizona‑European Young Entrepreneur Award 

The award is organized by a coalition of European organizations committed to strengthening Arizona–Europe business ties: 

● The Honorary Consul of Finland to Arizona and New Mexico 

● Rocky Mountain French American Chamber of Commerce (RMFACC) 

● German-American Chamber of Commerce West - Arizona Chapter 

● Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library - https://www.azirish.org/ 

● Arizona Italian-American Chamber of Commerce - https://azitalianchamber.org/ ● Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce - https://saccarizona.org/ 

Contacts 

For more information, please visit our dedicated webpage: 

Arizona–European Young Entrepreneur Award Ceremony | Feb 12, 2026 | Phoenix, AZ For any questions about the award, please contact Anaïs Toro: a.toro.engel@gmail.com