Nominations now open for the 2026 Industry Appreciation Awards

Applications are now open for the 2026 Industry Appreciation Awards, Southwest Florida’s premier business recognition program.

Now in its 34th year, the Industry Appreciation Awards recognize Lee County’s top businesses and business leaders that drive the local economy, employ the workforce and shape their industries. The awards program is sponsored by the Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, June 30.

The Industry Appreciation Awards will recognize winners and finalists in seven categories:

· Large Manufacturer of the Year Award – Celebrates a large manufacturing business with 51 or more employees that has achieved remarkable growth in output and scale over the last three years. The recipient will have integrated new technologies into their production processes, maintained high product quality and safety standards, and demonstrated a commitment to environmental sustainability.

· Small Manufacturer of the Year Award – Celebrates a small manufacturing business with 50 or fewer employees that has achieved remarkable growth in output and scale over the last three years. The recipient will have integrated new technologies into their production processes, maintained high product quality and safety standards, and demonstrated a commitment to environmental sustainability.

· Large Business of the Year Award – Recognizes a Lee County company with 51 or more employees that has demonstrated exceptional growth in revenue, workforce, products or services over the past three years. The recipient will have implemented unique strategies that distinguish them from competitors, engaged meaningfully with the local community and adopted innovative practices. This award also acknowledges the business’s ability to overcome recent challenges effectively.

· Small Business of the Year – Recognizes a Lee County company that has up to 50 employees that has demonstrated exceptional growth in revenue, workforce, products or services over the past three years. The recipient will have implemented unique strategies that distinguish them from competitors, engaged meaningfully with the local community and adopted innovative practices. This award also acknowledges the business’s ability to overcome recent challenges effectively.

· Start Up of the Year – Celebrates a business founded in Lee County that has launched within the past three years and is already demonstrating strong momentum and community impact. The recipient will have shown early growth in revenue, workforce, products or services, implemented unique strategies that distinguish them from competitors, engaged meaningfully with the local community, adopted innovative practices and demonstrated resilience in navigating the challenges of launching a new venture.

· Tech Catalyst Award – Recognizes a company with a strong and sustained presence in Lee County that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to strengthening the technology ecosystem in Southwest Florida. This award honors long-term regional impact, workforce investment and community leadership, not just business success or rapid growth. The recipient is a driving force behind the development of local talent, meaningful innovation and partnerships that help the tech sector thrive. Eligible companies must be headquartered, or have a significant operating presence, in Lee County and have been in business for at least three years.

· Lee Trailblazer Award – Recognizes a business founded in Lee County that has demonstrated exceptional growth while embodying values that strengthen the broader business community, expand opportunities, cultivate local partnerships and promote long-term, inclusive success. Eligible businesses must be founded and headquartered in Lee County, have been in continuous operation for more than three years, and demonstrate measurable growth in revenue, employment, services and regional reach.

“I’m looking forward to honoring the amazing Lee County businesses and leaders at this year’s event,” said Ben Spence, chair of the Horizon Council and chief operating officer of Lee Health. “Their dedication and leadership are great examples of the work it takes to strengthen our economy and community, and they deserve to be recognized.”

The Industry Appreciation Awards event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, at Caloosa Sound Convention Center, 1375 Monroe St. in Fort Myers. Application forms are available at IndustryAppreciationAwards.com. Self-nominations are allowed.