The Digest’s 40 Under 40 Awards

Celebrating Southern Colorado’s Soaring Young Professionals

The Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest announces our first ever 40 Under 40 celebration to honor the current leaders, movers, and shakers who get things done. This exclusive showcase will highlight forty outstanding young professionals under the age of 40 who are making waves across industries, driving innovation, and shaping the future of our community.

Join us as we come together to celebrate southern Colorado’s finest!

About The 40 Under 40 Awards

Showcasing the Best and the Brightest

Southern Colorado’s talent pool is brimming with young professionals who are shaping the future. The 40 Under 40 Awards are designed to honor the visionaries, volunteers, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are paving the way for the next generation.

These high performers represent our bright, young talent; the change-makers and creative minds from all industries, professions and community leadership circles. We’re looking for leaders and trailblazers who are making strides and pushing the boundaries of their fields.

Our first annual 40 Under 40 Awards ceremony will take place on February 25, 2025 at COS City Hub. The celebration will begin at 7 a.m. and end at 10 a.m. Breakfast will be served, and complimentary on-site parking will be available for all attendees.

Nominations

Know Someone Who Deserves to Be Honored?

Nominations are now open for SOCO Digest’s 40 Under 40 Awards! If you know a standout professional under the age of 40, now is your chance to help them gain the recognition they deserve.

Please submit your application(s) before December 9, 2024, at 5 pm.

Judging Criteria

LEADERSHIP

Are they an active industry leader?
Are they an active community leader?

Have they taken on more responsibility within their role?

How have they overcome challenges?

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Are they accomplished in their field?
Have they received special accolades or certifications?

Are they striving to reach new accomplishments?

How are their career efforts measured?

INNOVATION

What industry do they operate in?
What niche do they fill?

Are they currently driving their industry forward?

Have they received special recognition for their industry accomplishments?

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Are they an active community member?
In what ways are they giving back to the community?

Do they serve on a board or volunteer for an organization?

Have they created a new community program?

Eligibility

AGE

All nominees must be 39 years old or younger as of February 26, 2024. All candidates must be at least 18 years of age prior to December 31, 2024 to be eligible. No exceptions.

Self nominations are welcome.

LOCATION

Must currently be a resident of, or work for a business in any of the following counties:

El Paso County, Teller County, Pueblo County, Douglas County, Fremont County, Huerfano County, Elbert County, Custer County, Costilla County, Las Animas County, Lincoln County, Kit Carson County, Cheyenne County, Kiowa County, Crowley County, Otero County, Bent County, Prowers County, or Baca County.

TIMELINESS

All applications must be submitted before December 9, 2024, at 5 pm. No extensions will be granted!

AVAILABILITY

In order to be eligible, nominees must be willing and able to attend the event in-person on February 25, 2025. Our first annual 40 Under 40 celebration will be hosted at COS City Hub. The event will begin at 7 a.m. and end at 10 a.m. Breakfast will be served during the event, and complimentary on-site parking is available for all attendees.

Your Questions, Answered

FAQs

When is the event?

Our first annual 40 Under 40 celebration will be taking place on February 25, 2025. The event begins at 7 a.m. and ends at 10 a.m. Breakfast will be served.

Where will the event take place?

Our first annual 40 Under 40 celebration will take place at COS City Hub. Complimentary on-site parking is available for all attendees.

Who is eligible?

Any professional under the age of 40 (as of February 26, 2025) who has made significant contributions in their career and community is eligible. We are looking for individuals across all industries who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and a commitment to making a difference.

How do I nominate someone?

Nominating is simple! Just click on any of the orange nomination buttons on this page, and fill out our quick nomination form on behalf of your nominee. Keep in mind that you can also nominate yourself. Please be prepared to provide a resume, as well as any other supporting documentation (such as awards, certifications, etc.). Please also include a high resolution photograph of your nominee with your nomination.

Can I nominate more than one person?

Yes! Multiple nominations are welcome and encouraged.

Can I nominate myself?

Yes! Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged.

When do submissions close?

Submissions close on December 9, 2024 at 5 pm. All applications must be submitted before this date. No extensions will be granted.

Does the nominee have to be a business owner?

No! While business owners are certainly welcome, you can nominate anyone, regardless of their title, as long as they meet the criteria.

What do I need to submit for a nomination?

You’ll need basic information about your nominee, including their contact details, age, current role, and a description of why they deserve recognition. You will also need to be prepared to upload a resume. Please also include any supporting materials, such as links to their projects, community, certifications, or press mentions to help illustrate their achievements. Include a description hitting the highlights of what your candidate has done in order to be recognized for this award.

Can I save my nomination and come back to it?

No. Once you start the form, you will need to either finish it or start over at a different time. Please submit your nomination form by the deadline.

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