Know an outstanding young leader, executive or entrepreneur? Perhaps you are one yourself.
The Ottawa Business Journal is ready to once again recognize individuals who reflect the economic diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of the local business community.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Forty Under 40 awards, an annual tradition organized by the Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa Board of Trade in partnership with the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management Executive MBA program.
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DYMON and The Ottawa Mission celebrate record-breaking Giving Tuesday success
The Ottawa Mission is celebrating a historic Giving Tuesday after raising more than $1.1 million in support of people experiencing homelessness, hunger, and poverty — the most successful Giving Tuesday
“We’re starting this process a bit earlier this year so that we can really showcase our recipients in an upcoming issue of OBJ’s new glossy magazine,” said Anne Howland, OBJ’s editor in chief. “It’s a great opportunity and we’re looking forward to hearing from candidates from all sectors.”
The program typically receives more than 200 nominations each year.
“Forty Under 40 has become the city’s most sought-after award for young entrepreneurs,” said OBJ publisher Michael Curran. “In fact, I would say that it’s getting more competitive than ever. The selection committee spends 100 hours in total reviewing and ranking all nominations. It’s really not easy to select the recipients, which speaks to the quality of young entrepreneurs in our region.”
This year will mark the 29th edition of the prestigious event, which has honoured more than 1,000 business leaders since its inception.
To be eligible for Forty Under 40, nominees must:
- Be 39 years or younger on June 30, 2026;
- Spend the majority of their work time in Ottawa-Gatineau;
- Be an owner, executive, manager, professional or person with significant business decision-making authority.
Preference is given to nominees who work in the private sector, however, nominees can also work for a public-sector, charity or non-profit organization. In all cases, nominees will be assessed on business-related achievements that advance the goals and objectives of their organization, as well as their contributions to their community.
Nominations can be submitted up to and including March 7, 2026. Recipients will be honoured at a gala on June 18, 2026. Find more information on the nomination process here.
