The Nashville Entrepreneur Center is honored to host the 2027 NEXT Awards to celebrate each of you, the entrepreneurs in Middle Tennessee who are transforming industries and making our world better.
This year, we're honoring standout companies in the industries below, plus one founder who has changed what's possible here.
Industry Categories:
- Business and Professional Services
- Consumer Goods
- Healthcare and Life Sciences
- Technology and AI
- Music, Sports, Gaming, and Entertainment
- Real Estate and Construction
- Retail and Restaurants
Entrepreneur of 2027 recognizes one founder who has made a lasting impact on the Middle Tennessee community. Every applicant is considered for it unless they opt out below.
Qualifications (please read these carefully):
- In business for 10 years or less, as of the 2027 awards ceremony.
- Company must be headquartered in Middle Tennessee.
- Founder must still be actively involved with the company.
- Must be a for-profit company.
- Cannot have won a NEXT Award in 2026.
The 2027 application deadline will be announced soon.