Who qualifies?
- 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.
The application deadline is May 1, 2026, at 11:59pm. Late applications will NOT be accepted. You must fill out all of the information below in order to be considered.
What happens next?
Founders and/or companies will be notified of the nomination and asked to complete an application to determine eligibility.
IMPORTANT: Nominations are just the first step!
✅ Your nomination puts this entrepreneur on our radar
✅ After nomination, the entrepreneur must complete an application to be considered
✅ Multiple nominations for the same person are not necessary
If you've nominated someone, please encourage them to complete their application here.
Nominations without completed applications cannot be considered for awards.