To be eligible to apply for the award, a company must meet the following for the year ending 2023:

  • Be a privately held commercial enterprise headquartered in Florida (not publicly traded, subsidiary or division of another company or nonprofit); and
    Employ 6 to 150 full-time equivalent W-2 employees, including the owner; and
  • Have between $750,000 up to $100 million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants; and
  • Have not won this award in the past; and
  • Demonstrate intent and capacity to grow based on evidence such as employee or sales growth, exceptional leadership, sustainable competitive advantage, etc.

NOMINATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR 2024.  2025 NOMINATIONS WILL OPEN IN JANUARY 2025.