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7 Top 40 Under 40 Awards for Nassau County's Rising Stars
Discover top 40 under 40 awards for Nassau County professionals. Our guide details nominations, criteria, and how to get recognized for your success.
516 Update
February 02, 2026
Several prestigious 40 under 40 awards are now seeking the next generation of leaders from Nassau County, NY. For ambitious professionals in towns like Garden City, Mineola, and Roslyn, these awards offer a powerful platform for recognition. This guide breaks down the top honors to help you find the right fit for your career.
Why does this matter for Nassau County residents? These awards celebrate the local talent driving our economy and community forward, from the Gold Coast to the South Shore. Recognition can open doors to new business opportunities, elevate your professional profile, and connect you with other influential leaders right here on Long Island. For these emerging leaders, having strong branding, including high-quality professional business cards, is essential for making a lasting impression at networking events.
1. Long Island Business News (LIBN) – 40 Under Forty Awards
For professionals in Nassau County, the Long Island Business News (LIBN) 40 Under Forty Awards is the top local honor. This award recognizes the region's future leaders—from entrepreneurs in Mineola to corporate rising stars in Garden City—who have shown outstanding achievement and community involvement before the age of 40.
What makes this award special for our community is its deep, local focus. Winners are celebrated at a gala often held at venues like the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury and are profiled in a special edition of LIBN. This provides excellent visibility within the Nassau County business community.
The LIBN website makes the application process simple. Here are a few tips:
Check Deadlines: The nomination window is specific each year, so visit the site early.
Detail Achievements: Be specific about professional accomplishments and results.
Highlight Community Impact: The selection committee values contributions that benefit Nassau County communities like Hempstead or Roslyn.
Key Features and Considerations
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Eligibility | Must be under 40 years of age by the date of the awards gala. |
Nomination | Simple online form for self-nomination or nominating others. |
Media Exposure | Honorees are featured in a dedicated LIBN publication and online gallery. |
Networking | The awards gala is a major networking event for Long Island professionals. |
The process is straightforward, but success requires a compelling story of professional and community success in Nassau County. Achieving this honor can be a game-changer, and being recognized can even help you get featured in local directories like the [All Star Business Directory](https://516update.com/t/All Star Business Directory).
2. Crain’s New York Business – 40 Under 40
For ambitious professionals in Nassau County aiming for city-wide recognition, the Crain’s New York Business 40 Under 40 is a benchmark of success. This prestigious award elevates individuals beyond local acclaim, positioning them as influential leaders across the entire New York metropolitan area. It's a coveted distinction for entrepreneurs from Great Neck to executives commuting from Garden City.
What sets the Crain’s award apart is its high-profile status and the powerful network it unlocks. Honorees gain immense visibility through detailed profiles in Crain’s publications, read by the region's top business and political figures. This isn't just an award; it's a career accelerator.
Crain's uses a secure online platform for nominations. If you are considering a nomination, keep these points in mind:
Act Quickly: The nomination window is short and closes swiftly. Prepare your materials in advance.
Craft a Compelling Narrative: The editorial panel looks for impactful stories. Clearly articulate professional achievements and contributions.
Understand the Fee: There is a nonrefundable nomination fee, which underscores the program's premium nature.
Key Features and Considerations
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Eligibility | Must be under 40 years of age by the specified date and based in the NYC metro area. |
Nomination | Secure online platform requires an account for submission. A nomination fee is required. |
Media Exposure | Winners receive extensive editorial coverage in Crain’s New York Business. |
Selection | An editorial panel makes the final selections based on professional success and impact. |
For Nassau County leaders looking to expand their influence, this recognition can open doors to new opportunities, much like how finding the right local experts can elevate your business strategy; some of the best business management consultants in Nassau County are past award recipients themselves.
3. City & State New York – 40 Under 40: Rising Stars
For young professionals in Nassau County working in government, policy, and advocacy, the City & State New York 40 Under 40: Rising Stars list is a top honor. This award recognizes emerging leaders who are shaping public discourse across New York. It's a powerful credential for those in public affairs or non-profit leadership from Hempstead to Great Neck.
What sets this award apart is its focus on the political and public sectors. Being named a "Rising Star" provides immense credibility with an influential audience of policymakers and civic leaders. Honorees are celebrated through detailed profiles, creating a lasting digital footprint that showcases their contributions to public service.
The nomination process focuses on a candidate's impact within the governmental and non-profit arenas.
Focus on Public Impact: Emphasize achievements related to legislation, public policy, or community advocacy.
Show Regional Influence: Highlight how a nominee's efforts in Nassau County have had broader implications for New York.
Monitor Nomination Periods: Keep an eye on the City & State website for announcements.
Key Features and Considerations
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Eligibility | Must be under 40 years of age by the publication date. |
Nomination | Online form; focus is on public sector and advocacy achievements. |
Media Exposure | In-depth editorial profiles on the City & State website and print editions. |
Networking | Recognition provides access to an exclusive network of political and civic leaders. |
For anyone building a career in public service, this recognition validates your role as a key influencer in the state's political landscape, a significant asset for anyone involved in the vibrant communities across Nassau County, NY.
Website: https://www.cityandstateny.com/
4. Sports Business Journal (SBJ) – Forty Under 40 Awards
For professionals in Nassau County whose careers revolve around the world of sports, the Sports Business Journal (SBJ) Forty Under 40 Awards represent the national pinnacle of recognition. This program celebrates the executives and innovators shaping the future of sports business, from league offices to marketing agencies.
What distinguishes the SBJ awards is its industry-specific focus and networking opportunities. Honorees are celebrated with extensive coverage in the Sports Business Journal and honored at a high-profile gala in New York City. For a rising star from Garden City or Port Washington, this event offers direct access to the senior leaders who drive the national sports conversation.
The SBJ awards website is the hub for all nomination information. A strategic approach is key:
Understand the Scope: This is a national award focused purely on sports business. Achievements should show significant industry impact.
Prepare a Compelling Narrative: Highlight quantifiable successes and innovative contributions that set the nominee apart.
Plan for the Gala: The awards gala is a major investment and a key benefit. The website outlines pricing for advance planning.
Key Features and Considerations
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Eligibility | Must be under 40 years of age as of the gala date and work in the sports business industry. |
Nomination | Online submissions are accepted through a dedicated portal on the event website. |
Media Exposure | Winners are profiled in a special issue of Sports Business Journal and featured online. |
Networking | The black-tie gala is a premier networking event, drawing senior leaders from across the sports industry. |
Being named to this list elevates a professional's profile to a national level. For Nassau County's top sports business minds, securing a spot among this elite group is a definitive career achievement.
Website: https://www.fortyunder40awards.com/
5. PRWeek – 40 Under 40
For communications professionals in Nassau County aiming for national recognition, the PRWeek 40 Under 40 award is a top achievement. This program is tailored to the public relations industry, celebrating the brightest minds shaping the field. From PR agency leaders in Great Neck to corporate communicators in Mineola, this award validates a professional's expertise on a national stage.
What distinguishes the PRWeek award is its sharp industry focus. Winners are celebrated at a major awards event in New York City, a convenient trip for any Nassau professional, and are profiled in PRWeek's publication. This exposure is invaluable, connecting honorees with the industry's most influential figures.
The PRWeek website provides a clear portal for entries, but self-nomination is not allowed; a colleague or supervisor must submit the nomination.
Secure a Nominator: Identify a leader who can speak knowledgeably about your accomplishments.
Prepare for Fees: Entry fees are part of the process, with early-bird rates available.
Build a Strong Case: Focus on successful campaigns and leadership that has driven business results.
Key Features and Considerations
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Eligibility | U.S.-based PR and communications professionals under 40 years of age. |
Nomination | Must be nominated by a colleague; no self-nominations. An entry fee applies. |
Media Exposure | Honorees are profiled in PRWeek's U.S. edition and celebrated online. |
Networking | The NYC awards event provides an elite networking opportunity with industry leaders. |
For those leading the charge in Nassau County's business scene, this award is a powerful testament to excellence, showcasing local innovation on a national platform. To see how other local leaders are making a difference, check out these stories of Nassau County in Focus: Innovation, Growth, and Giving Back.
Website: https://www.prweek40under40.com/
6. NJBIZ – Forty Under 40
For Nassau County professionals whose business extends into New Jersey, the NJBIZ Forty Under 40 awards offer a chance to gain significant regional recognition. This program is an excellent platform for Long Island leaders, from financial advisors in Garden City to tech entrepreneurs in Plainview, who have substantial business ties or clients in New Jersey.
This award is valuable for Nassau County professionals because it helps build a professional brand across the tri-state area. Honorees receive considerable exposure through NJBIZ's dedicated print and online coverage, putting them in front of New Jersey's most influential business leaders.
The NJBIZ website features a straightforward online portal for submitting nominations.
Establish the New Jersey Connection: Clearly articulate your or the nominee's impact on New Jersey's business community. This is crucial.
Choose the Right Category: Select the category that best fits the nominee's career stage.
Quantify Your Success: Use specific metrics and concrete examples to demonstrate professional accomplishments.
Key Features and Considerations
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Eligibility | Must be under the age of 40 and demonstrate a significant connection to the New Jersey business community. |
Nomination | Online portal for self-nomination or nominating others, typically with a modest fee. |
Media Exposure | Winners are profiled in NJBIZ's print and digital publications, reaching a targeted business audience. |
Networking | The awards ceremony is a key networking event for professionals active in the New Jersey market. |
For Long Island leaders looking to solidify their reputation as regional power players, earning a spot on this prestigious list of 40 under 40 awards is a strategic move that can open doors to new partnerships and opportunities.
7. Secured Finance Network (SFNet) – 40 Under 40 Awards
For young professionals in Nassau County's robust financial sector, particularly in towns like Jericho and Garden City, the Secured Finance Network (SFNet) 40 Under 40 Awards offers highly specialized recognition. This award is for rising stars in the secured finance industry, including asset-based lending and factoring.
What distinguishes the SFNet program is its sharp industry focus. Winners gain visibility through a feature in The Secured Lender, the industry's premier publication, and are celebrated at a gala in New York City. This exposure can be a career-defining moment, connecting you with senior leaders from across the country, which is invaluable for those looking to advance in a field where the Long Island median income is often tied to specialized expertise.
The SFNet website provides a clear pathway for nominations, though it's gated by membership.
Confirm Membership: The first step is verifying that your employer is an active SFNet member.
Monitor the Window: Nominations are only open for a defined period each year.
Emphasize Industry Impact: Highlight specific deals, innovative financing structures, or contributions to the secured finance community.
Key Features and Considerations
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Eligibility | Must be under 40; your employer must be an active SFNet member. |
Nomination | Free to nominate during the open window, but membership is required. |
Media Exposure | Winners are profiled in The Secured Lender magazine. |
Networking | Honorees are celebrated at a major industry gala in New York City. |
While the membership requirement narrows the pool of applicants, it also enhances the award's prestige. For any Nassau County professional aiming to be recognized as a leader in secured lending, earning a spot on this list is an unparalleled achievement.
Website: https://www.sfnet.com/home/awards-recognition/sfnet-40-under-40-awards/40-under-40-awards-2026
40 Under 40 Awards: 7-Outlet Comparison
Program | Complexity (🔄) | Resources & Cost (⚡) | Expected Visibility & Impact (⭐📊) | Ideal Use Cases & Tip (💡) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Long Island Business News (LIBN) – 40 Under Forty | 🔄 Low — online nomination & organizer-run gala | ⚡ Moderate — online submission; event tickets (pricing varies) | ⭐⭐⭐ — strong hyperlocal media exposure, photo/reprints | 💡 Best for Long Island/Nassau County professionals seeking local visibility and networking |
Crain’s New York Business – 40 Under 40 | 🔄 Moderate — secure account-based portal; editorial panel | ⚡ Higher — nonrefundable nomination fee; tight deadlines | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — high regional prestige and editorial recognition across NYC business circles | 💡 Ideal for NYC metro professionals aiming for regional prestige; prepare materials early |
City & State New York – 40 Under 40: Rising Stars | 🔄 Low–Moderate — editorial nomination/profile process | ⚡ Low — mainly editorial focus; events vary by year | ⭐⭐⭐ — statewide credibility within public affairs and policy communities | 💡 Best for government, policy, and advocacy pros building civic networks |
Sports Business Journal (SBJ) – Forty Under 40 Awards | 🔄 Moderate — nominations plus high-profile black-tie gala logistics | ⚡ High — clear ticket/table pricing; premium event costs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — national sports-industry prestige and senior-level networking | 💡 Ideal for sports-business leaders seeking top-tier visibility and networking |
PRWeek – 40 Under 40 | 🔄 Moderate — entry portal; peer-nomination requirement | ⚡ Moderate–High — entry fees and typical industry gala ticket prices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — strong industry brand and visibility in PR/communications | 💡 Best for PR/communications professionals; secure a peer nomination and budget for fees |
NJBIZ – Forty Under 40 | 🔄 Low — online portal with category options (Traditional/Rising) | ⚡ Lower — generally lower nomination fees; event details on schedule | ⭐⭐⭐ — solid New Jersey regional reach and honoree coverage | 💡 Good for professionals with NJ ties; pick the category that fits your stage |
Secured Finance Network (SFNet) – 40 Under 40 Awards | 🔄 Moderate — member-only nomination window and editorial feature | ⚡ Moderate — free to nominate if employer is member; membership required | ⭐⭐⭐ — focused industry recognition with editorial feature and gala | 💡 Best if your employer is an SFNet member; leverage membership for eligibility and support |
Are You Nassau County's Next Rising Star?
This guide highlights a range of prestigious 40 under 40 awards, each offering a unique platform for recognition. From the local focus of the Long Island Business News 40 Under Forty Awards to national honors from Sports Business Journal and PRWeek, there are many opportunities for Nassau County's top talent.
The key is to choose the award that best fits your career. An entrepreneur in Port Washington might benefit most from the LIBN award, while a finance professional in Mineola could aim for the regional prestige of Crain’s New York Business. Each program has distinct criteria and networking benefits. The stories of past honorees, from Garden City executives to Hempstead non-profit leaders, prove that these awards are powerful career accelerators.
Your Path to Recognition: Actionable Next Steps
Making the leap from nominee to honoree requires careful planning. Here are a few actionable steps to get started:
Align Your Goals with the Award: Choose the award that best reflects your industry and achievements. A tech innovator in Great Neck has different needs than a political strategist in Roslyn, so pick the platform that connects you with the right audience.
Quantify Your Impact: Use concrete data and specific examples to demonstrate your success. Did you increase revenue? Did your initiative directly benefit a Nassau County community like Merrick? Numbers tell a powerful story.
Craft a Compelling Narrative: Your application is your story. It should highlight your challenges, triumphs, and future potential. To truly stand out, it's crucial to understand how to create a personal brand that gets you noticed.
Earning a spot on a "40 Under 40" list is a testament to dedication and impact. For the ambitious professionals driving our local economy forward, from Levittown to Old Westbury, this is your moment. A rising star from Nassau County deserves to be on the next list.
Ready to stay ahead on local news and professional opportunities? Visit our events page or subscribe to the 516 Update newsletter for daily insights. We keep you informed about nomination deadlines and highlight the Nassau County professionals making headlines. Sign up for the 516 Update today and never miss a chance to celebrate our community’s best and brightest.