The StartupCincy Awards honor the founders, startups, small businesses, and ecosystem leaders shaping Greater Cincinnati’s entrepreneurial future. From breakthrough technology to neighborhood impact, from first-time founders to community builders, these awards reflect the full spectrum of entrepreneurship across our region.
This isn’t just about who raised the most money or moved the fastest.
It’s about who built something meaningful and moved the ecosystem forward.
Every category represents a story worth telling. Together, they honor the creativity, resilience, ambition, and collaboration that define Cincinnati’s startup community.
StartupCincy Innovator of the Year
Honor’s the top founder pushing boundaries with a breakthrough product, service, or technology.
Small Business Excellence
Recognizes a neighborhood-rooted small business that has shown resilience, growth, and community impact.
Emerging Founder
Celebrates an emerging entrepreneur (tech, creative, retail, service, or otherwise) who made a significant leap this year.
High-Growth Startup of the Year
Honors a tech or scalable startup showing standout traction, revenue growth, user adoption, or fundraising success.
Social Impact Award
Recognizes a mission-driven company tackling social, environmental, or economic challenges in Greater Cincinnati.
Creative Culture Driver Award
Celebrates a founder or company innovating in the arts, design, food, culture, or creative spaces.
Community Builder Award
For a connector—accelerator, mentor, investor, or grassroots leader—driving collaboration, support, and ecosystem growth.
Regional Impact Award
Honors a company or organization building, hiring, and growing in ways that create meaningful local economic impact.
Nominations are open to founders, startups, small businesses, and ecosystem leaders across Greater Cincinnati. Submissions may come from peers, partners or community members.
Award recipients are selected through a thoughtful review process informed by community input and ecosystem leadership. Each award reflects both measurable progress and broader impact.
Nominations close on Feb 13, 2026
Nominees must be individuals, companies, or contributors operating in or significantly impacting the Greater Cincinnati region.
Self-nominations are not permitted.
Nominees may be submitted for multiple categories, but can only win one award.
