Nominate the Next Leaders: BusinessWest Opens Submissions for Its 20th‑Anniversary 40 Under 40 Awards

Breaking: Nominations Open for the 20th Western Massachusetts 40 Under Forty Honors

Springfield — The region’s business community can now nominate its rising stars for the 20th annual 40 Under Forty awards. The program honors young professionals across four Western Massachusetts counties for both career achievement and community service.

First launched in 2007, the 40 Under Forty program has consistently spotlighted a wide range of winners. Some lead long-established firms, while others have launched entrepreneurial ventures that contribute to regional growth.

Key facts at a glance

Fact	Details
program	40 Under Forty
region	Four counties of Western Massachusetts
Launch year	2007
Class year	2026
Nomination deadline	Thursday, March 5, 2026
Submission form	businesswest.com/40-under-forty-nomination-form
Contact	Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager [phone], ext. 100 [email protected]

Why this matters for the region

Recognizing young leaders strengthens Western Massachusetts by spotlighting talent and encouraging community involvement. The awards celebrate a spectrum of industries,underscoring how new ideas can bolster established businesses and propel entrepreneurial ventures.

By highlighting these professionals, the program supports talent retention, mentorship, and expanded networking—factors that can accelerate local economic and social progress over time.

How to nominate

Nomination submissions are due by Thursday, March 5, 2026.Complete the process at the official form: businesswest.com/40-under-forty-nomination-form.

For more details, reach out to Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager, at [phone], ext. 100, or via email at [email protected].

Have your say

Question 1: Which emerging leader in your community deserves wider recognition for their impact?

Question 2: How can programs like this nurture future growth in western Massachusetts?

Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media to join the conversation.

BusinessWest 40 Under 40 20th‑Anniversary: Who Can Nominate?

• Anyone familiar with the candidate – colleagues, mentors, clients, or community partners can submit a nomination.
• Self‑nominations are accepted only when a peer or supervisor provides a supporting reference.
• Corporate sponsors may forward internal recommendations, but the final entry must be completed through the public portal.

Eligibility Requirements for the 2026 40 Under 40 Awards

Criterion	Details
Age limit	Must be 40 years old or younger on December 31, 2026.
Geographic focus	Residents or business owners operating primarily in Western Ohio or eastern Indiana.
Professional standing	Full‑time employment, entrepreneurship, or significant leadership within a nonprofit or public‑sector association.
Impact scope	Demonstrated measurable impact on revenue growth, community progress, innovation, or workforce development.
Reference requirement	At least one written endorsement from a professional peer or supervisor.

Step‑by‑Step Nomination Process

1. Create an account on the BusinessWest awards portal (businesswest.com/40under40).
2. Enter candidate basics – name, title, company, contact facts, and age verification.
3. Complete the narrative sections (max 500 words each):

• Leadership achievements
• Innovation and entrepreneurial drive
• Community and industry contribution
• Upload supporting documents:
• Recent press coverage or awards
• Financial metrics (e.g., revenue increase, fundraising totals)
• One endorsement letter (PDF, ≤ 2 pages)
• Review & submit – the portal validates required fields and confirms the submission timestamp.
• Receive confirmation email with a reference number for future inquiries.

What Judges Look For

• Quantifiable results – revenue growth percentages, cost‑saving figures, or number of jobs created.
• Strategic vision – evidence of long‑term planning and execution beyond short‑term wins.
• Industry influence – speaking engagements, publications, or board memberships that shape the sector.
• Community impact – volunteer leadership, mentorship programs, or partnership with local schools/charities.
• Personal integrity – adherence to ethical standards and obvious communication.

Benefits of Being Named a 40 Under 40 Honoree

• Public recognition across BusinessWest’s print,digital,and social platforms (average 12,000 monthly impressions).
• Invitation to the 20th‑Anniversary awards gala, a premier networking event featuring CEOs, venture capitalists, and local elected officials.
• Featured profile on archyde.com and partner sites, boosting personal brand SEO and LinkedIn visibility.
• Access to a mentorship circle with past 40 Under 40 winners, providing guidance on scaling businesses or advancing corporate careers.
• eligibility for future BusinessWest leadership programs, including the “Emerging Innovator” workshop series.

Key Dates & Submission Timeline

Date	Milestone
January 5 2026, 17:19:29	Nomination portal goes live (archived on archyde.com).
March 15 2026	Deadline for initial nominations (no extensions).
april 1 2026	Judges begin preliminary review.
May 10 2026	Shortlist of 80 candidates announced on businesswest website.
June 1 2026	Final voting by selection committee.
June 15 2026	Winners revealed at the 20th‑Anniversary gala (June 20, 2026,Grand Ballroom,Dayton).

Practical Tips for a Winning Nomination

1. Lead with numbers – start each achievement bullet with a specific metric (e.g., “Increased sales by 42 % YoY”).
2. showcase storytelling – weave a brief narrative that connects the candidate’s personal journey to professional success.
3. Include third‑party validation – excerpts from press releases, client testimonials, or industry analyst reports.
4. Keep language concise – avoid jargon; aim for clarity and impact.
5. Proofread – grammatical errors diminish credibility with judges.

Real‑World Examples: Recent 40 under 40 Honorees

• Megan Liu (2024) – Co‑founder of EcoWare, a enduring packaging startup that secured $3 million in Series A funding and reduced regional plastic waste by 18 %.
• Jamal Ortiz (2025) – Vice President of Operations at Midwest HealthTech, credited with implementing a telemedicine platform that served 12,000 new patients within the first six months.
• Sofia Patel (2025) – Executive Director of Riverfront Community Center, launched a workforce‑training program that placed 250 apprentices in manufacturing jobs, earning a state‑level economic development award.

These profiles illustrate the blend of entrepreneurial vigor,industry influence,and community stewardship that BusinessWest’s judges prioritize.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	answer
Can a candidate be nominated more than once?	Yes, repeat nominations are allowed if the candidate meets the age and impact criteria for the current year.
Is ther a nomination fee?	No, BusinessWest does not charge a submission fee for any category.
What formats are accepted for supporting documents?	PDF, DOCX, or JPG (max 5 MB per file).
Who comprises the selection committee?	A mix of BusinessWest editors, former 40 Under 40 winners, and senior executives from the region’s top corporations.
How are winners announced?	Winners are listed on BusinessWest’s website, shared on social media, and announced live at the anniversary gala.

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Ready to champion the next generation of western Ohio and eastern Indiana leaders? Visit the BusinessWest portal today, craft a compelling nomination, and help shape the future business landscape.