Under 40 Business Leader Award

Sponsored by:

This award honours an individual under the age of 40 who demonstrates outstanding leadership, business acumen, entrepreneurial spirit, and a strong commitment to the Airdrie regional business community. This individual may be a business owner, operator, manager, team leader, or emerging professional who is making a meaningful impact through their work, leadership, and contributions to the local business community.

Award Criteria:

• Leadership Excellence: Demonstrates strong leadership qualities, sound decision-making, professionalism, accountability, and the ability to inspire, support, or positively influence others in the workplace or business community.
• Business Growth: Shows evidence of meaningful contributions to business success, such as supporting growth, improving operations, expanding services, strengthening customer/client relationships, leading projects, or achieving measurable professional milestones.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Demonstrates initiative, ambition, creativity, and resilience in their professional role.
• Community Involvement: Shows a commitment to supporting, contributing to, or positively representing the Airdrie regional business community through volunteerism, mentorship, advocacy, partnerships, or community engagement

Award Eligibility:

• the nominee must be under the age of 40, as of the nomination deadline. 
• the nominee must have been actively involved in leading, managing, growing, or contributing to a business for a minimum of two years.
• Not have anyone in their management, on their board, or as an employee serving on the adjudication committee.
• Operate within the region indicated on the map.
• Have a representative available to attend the Airdrie Regional Business Awards Gala on October 22, 2026.
• Complete and submit a Nominee form to be eligible.
• To be eligible as a finalist for the Airdrie Regional Business Awards, individuals in the Under 40 Business Leader Award category must be currently employed by, own, operate, or represent a business that is a member of the Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce. If the business is not currently a member, the submission will still be reviewed. However, if the nominee is selected as a finalist, their associated business  will be required to join the Chamber for the nominee to remain eligible.

NOTES: All nominations remain anonymous. Only one submission per business or organization is required to be nominated. Self-nominations are accepted in this category. The ARBA Planning Committee reserves the right to reallocate nominees into the appropriate award category if they are determined to be ineligible in the Under 40 Business Leader category.