SCBIZ, South Carolina’s leading source of business news and intelligence, has announced the launch of Emerging Leaders Under 40, a new statewide recognition program honoring the next generation of professionals driving business success and community impact across South Carolina. Nominations are now open.

Emerging Leaders Under 40 represents the evolution of SCBIZ’s long-standing Forty Under 40 recognition programs, which previously honored rising professionals within individual regions of the state. Following the creation of SCBIZ as a unified statewide business media brand, the program has been expanded to reflect South Carolina’s increasingly connected business community.

“South Carolina’s business landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade,” said Ben Jacobs, Content Lead. “The leaders shaping our state’s future are influencing industries, communities and organizations that extend far beyond regional boundaries. Emerging Leaders Under 40 gives us the opportunity to recognize outstanding young professionals on a statewide stage while preserving the prestige and credibility that made Forty Under 40 such a respected honor.”

The program recognizes professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate exceptional career achievement, leadership, innovation and community involvement. Honorees represent a diverse cross-section of industries and professions and are selected based on both professional accomplishments and meaningful contributions to South Carolina communities.

While the name has changed, the mission remains the same: to spotlight the individuals who are helping shape the future of business in South Carolina.

The new statewide format also allows SCBIZ to recognize more of the exceptional talent emerging across the state.

“South Carolina is home to an extraordinary generation of leaders who are building companies, creating jobs, serving their communities and driving innovation,” said Jacobs. “We wanted a program that reflects the full scope of that talent and the statewide reach of the SCBIZ brand. Emerging Leaders Under 40 is designed to do exactly that.”

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

Key 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.

SCBIZ encourages business leaders, employers, colleagues and community members throughout South Carolina to submit nominations and help identify the professionals who are defining the future of the Palmetto State. To nominate an Emerging Leader Under 40 or learn more about the program, click here.

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.