Nominate a superstar for the Business Observer's 40 Under 40 issue

Are you — or do you know — an accomplished, amazing and all-around mover and shaker in the region who is under 40 years old? 

If yes, the Business Observer wants to hear from you. 

Applications for our annual 40 Under 40 issue of the region’s up-and-coming business leaders are out now.

The 40 Under 40 issue is open to people under 40 through Oct. 9, 2026 and are in any field, for-profit and nonprofit, who work and live in the Business Observer’s coverage area: Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties.

In addition to being under 40 and a superstar, two factors that make a nomination standout are: 

• Being a risk-taker. Investing time and money in an idea, concept and business and succeeding against obstacles. 
• Someone who is a go-to person in their community, the person people say “you really need to meet him or her.”

Participation in a photo and video shoot later this summer at a date and location set by the Business Observer is required to be part of the issue. Winners are invited and encouraged to bring their mentor with them to the photo/video shoot, which will be held in the winner’s local market.

All winners will also be required to fill out a brief questionnaire on their background, careers, community involvement and other questions. And winners will be interviewed by a Business Observer reporter for a story in print and online. 

An event to celebrate the winners will be held Oct 9, 2026 in Sarasota.

We look forward to hearing from you. Email Mark Gordon at [email protected] with questions.