Time is running out to recognize South Carolina’s next generation of business leaders.

SCBIZ is reminding employers, colleagues, mentors and community leaders that nominations for Emerging Leaders Under 40 close July 31. The statewide recognition program builds on the respected legacy of Forty Under 40, honoring exceptional professionals under the age of 40 whose leadership, innovation and community involvement are helping shape South Carolina’s future.

For years, Forty Under 40 recognized many of the state’s most accomplished rising professionals. Today, that legacy continues through Emerging Leaders Under 40—a statewide program that reflects South Carolina’s increasingly connected business community while preserving the prestige and credibility that made Forty Under 40 one of the state’s most respected professional honors.

Following the launch of SCBIZ as a unified statewide business media brand, Emerging Leaders Under 40 was created to recognize exceptional young professionals from every corner of South Carolina. The new format expands the opportunity to celebrate more of the leaders who are driving innovation, growing businesses, serving their communities and making a lasting impact across the state.

“We didn’t want to leave behind the legacy of Forty Under 40—we wanted to build on it,” said Ben Jacobs, Content Lead at SCBIZ. “Emerging Leaders Under 40 carries forward everything that made Forty Under 40 meaningful while creating a statewide platform that reflects where South Carolina’s business community is today.”

Jacobs added, “Every organization has someone who is making an extraordinary impact. Too often, those individuals aren’t recognized because everyone assumes someone else will nominate them. As the nomination deadline approaches, we encourage business leaders across South Carolina to take a few minutes to recognize the emerging leaders within their organizations and communities.”

Why Nominate?

Today’s emerging leaders are tomorrow’s CEOs, founders, entrepreneurs, nonprofit executives and industry innovators.

Recognition as an Emerging Leader Under 40 elevates a professional’s visibility, strengthens their personal brand and celebrates the meaningful contributions they are making within their organization and community. It also highlights the companies and organizations that are investing in the next generation of leadership.

Whether you’re recognizing a standout employee, an inspiring colleague, a client, a community leader—or even yourself—a nomination is an opportunity to celebrate leadership that deserves to be recognized on a statewide stage.

Individuals may nominate themselves or be nominated by colleagues, supervisors, clients, mentors or community leaders. Eligible nominees must be employed in South Carolina, be 39 years old or younger by the eligibility deadline, demonstrate exceptional professional achievement and exhibit a strong commitment to community service. Previous Forty Under 40 honorees are not eligible.

Important Dates

Nomination Deadline: July 31, 2026

Application Deadline: August 14, 2026

Honoree Celebration: October 20, 2026, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, South Carolina

Nominations close July 31.

Don’t miss the opportunity to recognize the professionals who are helping shape the future of South Carolina business.

To submit a nomination or learn more, visit the SCBIZ Emerging Leaders Under 40 Nominations page.

About SCBIZ

SCBIZ is South Carolina’s statewide source for business news, intelligence and events. Through trusted journalism, executive recognition programs and statewide business events, SCBIZ connects decision-makers and celebrates the companies and leaders driving South Carolina’s economy forward.