2026 NEXT Awards Application

2026 NEXT Awards Application

Monday, October 19th at Schermerhorn Symphony Center
The Nashville Entrepreneur Center is honored to host the 2026 NEXT Awards to celebrate each of you – entrepreneurs in Middle Tennessee who are transforming industries and making our world better.

This year, we're honoring companies in 8 industry categories and one individual who has changed what's possible here.

Industry Categories:
- Business and Professional Services
- Consumer Goods
- Healthcare
- Life Sciences and Biotechnology
- Music, Sports, Gaming, and Entertainment
- Real Estate and Construction
- Retail and Restaurants
- Social Enterprise
Entrepreneur of the Year recognizes one founder who has made a lasting impact on the Middle Tennessee community.

Qualifications (please read these carefully):
- In business for 5 years or less, as of 10/19/26.
- Company must be headquartered in Middle Tennessee.
- Founder must still be actively involved with the company.
- Must be a for-profit company (unless applying for the Social Enterprise category).
- Cannot have won a NEXT Award in 2025.
All applications must be submitted by Friday, May 1 at 11:59pm.

What year was your company founded?*
What does your company do?*
For example, you can describe the problem you solve, the customer you serve, how your solution solves your customer's problem, or any other elements that you think define what makes your business unique.
Describe your company's journey so far. List key milestones.*
For example, you can describe major achievements, impressive clients, industry awards, expansion, fundraising, pivots, or other events that have shaped the history of your company to date.
What’s NEXT for your company? Tell us your big plans and dreams.*
For example, you can share company goals, upcoming product or service development, new business, plans to fundraise, expansion efforts, or other milestones you hope to achieve, either in the short or long term.

Please fill in the following table with your business's quantitative metrics to the best of your ability:*

Rows	2026 (to date)	2025	2024
Revenue
Employees
Capital Raised
Profit (write Losses as negative numbers)

FemaleMaleRather not sayOther
Founder Ethnicity:*
Founder Age:*
Does founder identify as LGBTQIA+?*

YesNoRather not say
How did you hear about this opportunity?*
I certify: This information is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.*

Clear
Please sign here.
Before you submit, nominate another founder who deserves recognition!

First NameLast Name
Nominated founder email:
example@example.com
Deadline: Friday, May 1 at 11:59 pm.
Should be Empty: