Jacksonville, Florida, January 2, 2026
The Jacksonville Daily Record is calling for nominations for its sixth annual Top Entrepreneurs special section, honoring innovative business leaders in Northeast Florida. This year, nine dynamic entrepreneurs and one Legend will be recognized for their significant contributions to the local economy. Eligible candidates must be owner-shareholders and CEOs of established companies in specific counties, with nominations due by February 6, 2026.
Jacksonville, Florida – The Jacksonville Daily Record is inviting nominations for its sixth annual Top Entrepreneurs special section, which is scheduled to be published on March 19, 2026. This accolades program aims to recognize nine of Northeast Florida’s most dynamic business leaders and one Legend, drawing attention to their invaluable contributions towards the region’s economic growth and innovation.
Nomination Categories and Criteria
Entrepreneurs interested in being recognized can apply in one of three revenue categories:
- Up to $2 million
- $2 million to $15 million
- More than $15 million
Each category will showcase three finalists. In order to be eligible, applicants must adhere to the following criteria:
- Be the current owner-shareholder and CEO of the company.
- Have a company headquartered in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, or St. Johns counties.
- Operate a business that has been in existence for at least three years.
- Provide annual revenue figures for 2023, 2024, and 2025.
- Share employee counts for each of the past three years.
- Be willing to participate in interviews and photo shoots.
It should be noted that previous winners are not eligible for nomination this year. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, February 6, 2026. Entrepreneurs can complete the nomination form at jaxdailyrecord.com/top-entrepreneurs/.
Additional Information
For further details, interested parties can contact Editor Monty Zickuhr at [email protected]. Additionally, advertising opportunities within this special edition are available, and those interested may reach out to [email protected] or call 904-356-2466.
About the Top Entrepreneurs Recognition
Since its establishment, the Top Entrepreneurs special section has praised the achievements of Northeast Florida’s leading business figures. Previous honorees have included:
- Jack Hanania Sr., of Hanania Automotive Group: Developed a statewide car dealership business and made investments in Downtown Jacksonville.
- Coleman Lay, of LAY Construction: Acquired a business at age 24, showing a profound commitment to Jacksonville’s growth.
- Rebecca Gonzalez, of 1928 Cuban Bistro: Expanded from a single restaurant to eight in just six years, highlighting rapid growth and remarkable success.
These individuals embody the spirit of innovation and resilience that the Jacksonville Daily Record aspires to celebrate through this annual recognition.
Related News
- Caitlin Brunell is appointed vice president of Ascension St. Vincent’s Foundation.
- HCA Florida Healthcare has opened an emergency room in Oakleaf Plantation.
- Brooks Rehabilitation has announced plans for a $68 million expansion in Northeast Florida.
- UF Health Intracoastal center is nearing a $20 million investment.
- Baptist Health has named Zuino as the next president and CEO.
- Terry Haley has been appointed EVP at Nemours Children’s Health.
- Orange Park Brooks Rehab is planning renovations and expansions.
Subscription Information
Stay connected with the latest business news by subscribing to the Jacksonville Daily Record. Available subscription options include:
- Monthly Subscription: $6.99 per month, which provides unlimited digital access, e-newspaper app, and an optional mailed print newspaper every Thursday.
- Annual Subscription: $75 per year, offering the same benefits as the monthly subscription, plus a daily business news newsletter.
For more information or to subscribe, please visit the Jacksonville Daily Record’s website.
About the Jacksonville Daily Record
The Jacksonville Daily Record has established itself as a primary source of business news in Northeast Florida, delivering timely and comprehensive coverage of the region’s economic developments, corporate achievements, and entrepreneurial successes.
Contact Information
For inquiries or more information, please contact:
Monty Zickuhr
Editor
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 904-356-2466
Jacksonville Daily Record
Address: 1 Independent Drive, Suite 350, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Website: jaxdailyrecord.com
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the deadline for submitting nominations?
- The deadline to complete and submit the nomination form is Friday, February 6, 2026.
- Who is eligible to apply?
- Entrepreneurs who are current owner-shareholders and CEOs of companies headquartered in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, or St. Johns counties, with businesses that are at least three years old, are eligible to apply.
- How can I submit a nomination?
- Entrepreneurs can complete the nomination form at jaxdailyrecord.com/top-entrepreneurs/.
- What are the subscription options for the Jacksonville Daily Record?
- Subscription options include a monthly subscription at $6.99 per month and an annual subscription at $75 per year, both offering unlimited digital access, e-newspaper app, and a mailed print newspaper every Thursday (optional).
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Nomination Categories | Up to $2 million; $2 million to $15 million; More than $15 million |
| Eligibility Criteria | Current owner-shareholder and CEO; Company headquartered in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, or St. Johns counties; Business at least three years old |
| Nomination Deadline | Friday, February 6, 2026 |
| Subscription Options | Monthly: $6.99/month; Annual: $75/year |
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