Nominations Now Open for the 2026 Martin County Business Awards
The Business Development Board of Martin County is proud to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Martin County Business Awards.
Each year, the Martin County Business Awards recognize the companies, entrepreneurs, innovators, manufacturers, and leaders helping shape and strengthen our local economy. These awards celebrate the organizations and individuals driving business excellence, economic growth, innovation, and community leadership throughout Martin County.
The 2026 Martin County Business Awards, presented by Bank of America, will take place on:
Monday, October 26, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Hutchinson Shores Resort
The business community is encouraged to submit nominations for deserving companies and individuals making a meaningful impact in Martin County.
Click Here to Submit a Nomination
Award Categories
Youth Entrepreneur of the Year
Unbound by ambition and unstoppable, this award recognizes a Martin County entrepreneur for their ingenuity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit. Whether finding and innovating new solutions or reimagining existing ones, this award celebrates the individual who bootstrapped their business from inception to success, BUT for individuals 18 years of age or younger.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Unbound by ambition and unstoppable, this award recognizes a Martin County entrepreneur for their ingenuity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit. Whether finding and innovating new solutions or reimagining existing ones, this award celebrates the individual who bootstrapped their business from inception to success.
Innovation in Workforce Development
This award is intended to recognize a Martin County business, business leader, workforce development professional, or partner for their contributions, innovations, and significant accomplishments in workforce development and addressing businesses’ employment/workforce needs.
Newcomer of the Year
Recognizing a company that moved to or relocated to Martin County in the past two years and, in doing so, has added to the existing base of businesses, bringing business diversity, new skills, and workforce opportunities while adding vibrancy to the local economy.
Headquarters of the Year
Honors a company whose Martin County location serves the managerial and administrative center of the organization. Proudly calling Martin County its business home, it has continuously made significant economic and workforce contributions to the local community.
Company to Watch
Honors a Martin County business that has undergone significant transformation. Entrepreneurial in spirit, introducing new technologies or innovations and creating solutions for problems most of us are unaware of. They are blazing new trails within their industry while providing the county with new economic opportunities.
Manufacturer of the Year
This award recognizes a local manufacturer for its high manufacturing standard, often exceeding industry standards. The manufacturer is dedicated to best practices and innovative processes, developing its workforce, growing its business, and becoming a leader in its industry and the Martin County business community.
Business Excellence (Formerly Business of the Year)
Honors a long established Martin County company that continuously, year over year, has had a significant positive and measurable impact on the local economy. They are routinely recognized in their industry as innovators and thought leaders and are actively engaged in the Martin County business community.
Charlene Hoag Leadership
Recognizes an individual whose characteristics include devotion to family, vocation, and servant leadership to the community. They advocate for the local economy’s continuous improvement, ensuring it is thriving, sustainable and resilient for everyone and many generations. Nominees for the Charlene Hoag Award should demonstrate these leadership characteristics and share Charlene’s commitment to involvement in the community.
Selection Process
All nominees, except Charlene Hoag Leadership Award nominees, are considered and selected by the BDBMC Awards Selection Committee, comprised of BDBMC Officers and Directors.
Once selections are made, award winners are notified and promoted prior to the event.
The Charlene Hoag Leadership Award is selected separately by former Charlene Hoag Leadership Award recipients. This award recipient is not announced prior to the event, preserving an element of surprise during the awards program.
We look forward to celebrating the businesses and leaders making a lasting impact on Martin County’s economy and community.
Learn more about how the Business Development Board of Martin County supports local businesses at www.BDBMC.org
