Instructions
The Austin Under 40 Awards nominations process is a rigorous one. This is where the Austin Under 40 Awards is distinguished from any other awards ceremony in the region. There are many business and industry awards that exist, but for the past 25 years, the Austin Under 40 Awards has distinguished itself as an event that celebrates not only our young industry leaders, but also those leaders who dedicate themselves to the improvement and stewardship of our community.
Over 100 business and community leaders serve as judges for the Austin Under 40 Awards. Each nominee’s application and supporting materials will be scored in two separate judging rounds, not only on their leadership in their industry, but also on their leadership and impact in the greater Austin community. Each nominee is scored by multiple judges in the first round of judging and 5 finalists in each of the 18 awards categories will be selected. The second round of judging is completed by the winners-selection committee, which selects the award winners who will be announced at the Austin Under 40 Awards gala. Nominees are scored based on community involvement (weighted 60%) and career achievement (weighted 40%). Applicants will be required to provide a resume or link to a LinkedIn profile as well as at least one letter of recommendation.
Nomination Guidelines and FAQs
Who can be nominated?
Nominations can be made for any community leader under the age of 40 as of May 10, 2025. The exception is the Mentor of the Year awards category, where nominees should be over the age of 40 at the time of the award ceremony.
Who cannot be nominated?
Board members or committee chairs of the Young Men’s Business League serving at any point since June 1, 2024 are ineligible for the 2025 Austin Under 40 Awards. The 2024 Austin Under 40 Awards gala committee is also ineligible for the 2025 Austin Under 40 Awards.
Can I nominate myself?
Yes, all applications will be subjected to a rigorous judging process regardless of who makes the nomination.
Can I be nominated in more than one category?
Yes. However, nominees can only be judged in one category which will be chosen by the nominee at the time of application.
Does being nominated multiple times in one award year help my chances of winning?
No. The number of nominations for an individual is not considered in selecting the winners. The judges will only consider one nomination per nominee.
Can I be nominated if I have been nominated in years past, or if I have been a finalist in years past?
Yes. Past finalists and nominees may be nominated again. However, past winners are not eligible for an Austin Under 40 Award.
Can I be nominated if I have already won an AU40 award in the past?
You may only ever win one category award, even if you now work in a different industry. You may only win in two different years if you win a category award while under the age of 40, and then go on to win a Mentor of the Year award after age 40. As a category winner, you may only apply for Mentor of the Year if 1) at least 7 years have passed since you won a category award, and 2) you have not been an AU40 judge during either of the two previous years.
When is the deadline to submit a nomination?
Nominations must be submitted by January 17, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Now that I’ve been nominated, when is the deadline to submit my application?
Nominees must submit their applications by January 24, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
I was told I was nominated but never received an email.
If you were told you were nominated but never received an email notifying you of your nomination, double check your spam folder. If you still have not found the email, please contact [email protected].
If I have been nominated, can I also submit a nomination for someone else?
Yes. Nominations are open to the general public, and there is no limit on the number of nominations anyone can submit.
How are applications scored? What is the judging criteria?
Each application is scored by multiple judges using a rubric that weighs all application materials 60% for career achievement and 40% for community involvement. Applicants will be required to provide a resume as well as at least one letter of recommendation.
When will finalists be announced?
Finalists will be announced in March 2025.
When will winners be announced?
Winners will be announced at the gala on May 10, 2025.