Apply for NEXT Awards | The biggest celebration of founders in Nashville
The 2025 awards hosted 600 business leaders and provided trophies to 19 founders in the Middle Tennessee region.
If you’re building a business in Middle Tennessee, the Nashville Entrepreneur Center wants to put you on the big stage.
Applications are open for the 2026 NEXT Awards, presented by Amazon, with a deadline of May 1. Winners are announced live on stage at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville on October 19.
The annual event celebrates eight categories:
- Business & Professional Services
- Consumer Goods
- Healthcare
- Life Sciences & Biotechnology
- Music, Sports, Gaming & Entertainment
- Real Estate & Construction
- Retail and Restaurants
- Social Enterprise
- Entrepreneur of 2026
Last year, 19 founders walked away with trophies in front of 600 business leaders. This year’s event follows the same black-tie format, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the program beginning at 7:15 p.m.
To qualify, companies must be seven years old or less as of October 19, be headquartered in Middle Tennessee, and be founder-led. For all categories, qualified applicants must be for-profit companies, except in the Social Enterprise category (in which case, the company can be a non-profit). Previous 2025 NEXT Award winners are not eligible.
Founders can apply directly or nominate a peer at ec.co.
Questions can be directed to chloe.cook@ec.co.
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