ABOUT THE SMART 50 PROGRAM: Who are the executives leading the smartest 50 organizations in Northeast Ohio? The Smart 50 Awards, presented by FIT Technologies, will recognize the top executives of the smartest companies in the region for their ability to effectively build and lead savvy organizations.
All 50 winners will be honored as the Class of 2026 at a special celebration in November. All honorees will be asked to attend a special judging session in October to be interviewed by the judges and make their best pitch for one of three specialty awards that will be awarded for outstanding innovation, impact and sustainability.
The nomination deadline is August 21, 2026.
ELIGIBILITY: Eligible Smart 50 nominees must be a top executive of an organization with a physical office in the Northeast Ohio region. Specialty award winners will be recognized for Innovation, Impact, and Sustainability. NOMINATION INSTRUCTIONS: Complete all the information on the nomination form.
SECTION ONE: Provide basic contact information about the person who begins the nomination process. This individual will likely represent the nominated company or individual or be familiar with its operations.
SECTION TWO: Provide basic information about the person being nominated, including company size and industry.
SECTION THREE: Explain why your Nominee should be recognized with a Smart 50 award. Provide a brief description that includes the "what," "how," and "why" to support the nomination. Essays can be as short as a single paragraph or as long as necessary to fully explain to the judges the merit of your Nominee. Please keep in mind that the more specific detail provided to the judges, the greater the opportunity your Nominee will have to be recognized. Be sure to designate in which category (or categories) you would like the Nominee to be considered for the specialty award.
For more information, please contact Lisa Dore at ldore@sbnonline.com or (440) 610-9929.
ABOUT THE BUSINESS GROWTH AWARDS PROGRAM: The Business Growth Awards recognize and honor businesses from our 8-county region that have achieved superior growth in sales and/or employment over the past five years. Our judging panel will take special consideration this year as it relates to the measure of growth post-pandemic. Companies who managed to persevere and achieve any growth during this uniquely challenging time are encouraged to apply.
*Business must be located in Summit, Medina, Stark, Portage, Wayne, Ashland, Holmes or Lake counties to participate.
Each qualifying nominee will be recognized for his or her company's success in one of three categories: Service, Manufacturing or Technology
Specialty awards will be presented within each category for: Highest Sales Growth, Greatest Employee Growth, and Best Overall Success Story.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award: Presented to a local business leader who best exemplifies entrepreneurship by leading a dynamic, growing organization and inspiring others through innovative business practices.
Nominations will be accepted through Friday, August 14, 2026.
Winners will be notified in August and formally honored at the Business Growth Awards at John S. Knight Center in October. For more information, please contact Danielle Syroney at dsyroney@sbnonline.com.
ABOUT THE PILLAR AWARD PROGRAM The Pillar Award for Community Service was developed by Smart Business to honor businesses and individuals dedicated to making Northeast Ohio a better place to live. The program is designed to demonstrate the tie between the for-profit and nonprofit worlds and showcase best practices. It seeks to: - Publicize the importance of community service issues, such as philanthropy and volunteerism; - Share creative ideas about how companies have a positive impact in their communities; - Honor companies and individuals who go beyond the minimum expectation of community service. Nomination Deadline is October 2, 2026! ELIGIBILITY Nominees must have a physical location in the 14-county region of Northeast Ohio (Ashland, Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas and Wayne) to be eligible for an award. NOMINATION INSTRUCTIONS Complete all the information on the nomination form.
SECTION ONE: Provide basic contact information about the person submitting the nomination form.
SECTION TWO: Complete all information about the company and/or individual being nominated.
SECTION THREE: Explain why the Nominee should be recognized with a Pillar Award for Community Service by answering the specific questions pertaining to the award. Keep in mind that the more specific detail provided to the judges, the greater the opportunity the Nominee will have to be recognized.
Award recipients will be notified in October 2026 and invited to attend an awards gala luncheon in December. Honorees will also be featured in the December 2026 edition of Smart Business. Nomination Deadline is October 2, 2026! For more information, contact Lisa Dore at ldore@sbnonline.com
ABOUT THE PILLAR AWARD PROGRAM The Pillar Award for Community Service was developed by Smart Business to honor businesses and individuals dedicated to making Northeast Ohio a better place to live. The program is designed to demonstrate the tie between the for-profit and nonprofit worlds and showcase best practices.
It seeks to:
- Publicize the importance of community service issues, such as philanthropy and volunteerism
- Share creative ideas about how companies have a positive impact in their communities
- Honor companies and individuals who go beyond the minimum expectation of community service
Nomination Deadline is October 2, 2026!
AWARD CATEGORIES
Nonprofit Board Executive of the Year Award: Honors contributions by for-profit business executives who serve on nonprofit boards.
Nonprofit Executive Director of the Year Award: Recognizes nonprofit executive directors who effectively apply for-profit business principles to their organizations.
Philanthropist of the Year Award: Recognizes an individual for their overall personal philanthropy.
ELIGIBILITY Nominees must have a physical location in the 14-county region of Northeast Ohio (Ashland, Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas and Wayne) to be eligible for an award.
NOMINATION INSTRUCTIONS Complete all the information on the nomination form.
SECTION ONE: Provide basic contact information about the person submitting the nomination form
SECTION TWO: Complete all information about the company and/or individual being nominated.
SECTION THREE: Explain why the Nominee should be recognized Nonprofit Board Executive of the Year Award, the Nonprofit Executive Director of the Year Award or the Philanthropist of the Year Award by answering the specific questions pertaining to the award. Keep in mind that the more specific detail provided to the judges, the greater the opportunity will have to be recognized.
Award recipients will be notified in October 2026 and invited to attend an awards gala luncheon in December. Honorees will also be featured in the December 2026 edition of Smart Business.
For more information, contact Lisa Dore at ldore@sbnonline.com