2025 NEXT Awards and Entrepreneurs' Hall of Fame

Discover the stories behind this year's NEXT Awards finalists—from traumatic brain injuries to 10-year fights to bring breakthrough ideas to life. These aren't just award nominees. They're proof that entrepreneurship feels impossible alone but becomes inevitable together. [Read Their Stories →]

The NEXT Awards honor Nashville's most accomplished entrepreneurs in an evening of exceptional celebration.

What awaits you:

A sophisticated cocktail reception with local spirits and artisanal hors d'oeuvres. You'll connect with Nashville's successful founders, investors, and community leaders in beautifully appointed surroundings.

The ceremony showcases entrepreneurs with proven revenue, substantial job creation, and measurable impact. These aren't promising startups—they're established companies.

VIP guests enjoy premium seating, exclusive networking access, and thoughtfully prepared dinner featuring Nashville's culinary excellence.

Why it matters:

Nashville's startup activity has increased fourfold over the past decade. Tonight's honorees represent the next chapter. Some will achieve household recognition. Others will command extraordinary valuations. A select few will transform entire industries.

This is your opportunity to witness greatness before it becomes legend.

The Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s signature fundraising event celebrates the visionaries and innovators driving our city’s economic growth. From prominent recognition to VIP experiences, we have sponsorship opportunities for companies of all sizes to participate in this uniquely Nashville celebration.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The 2025 NEXT Awards will honor companies across six industry categories, with each category having two awards—one for the Startup stage and one for the Growth stage. Additionally, two individual awards will be presented, one in each stage.

Healthcare

Financial Services

Music, Sports, Gaming and Entertainment

Products and Services

Real Estate and Construction

Hospitality and Retail

Startup – In business for 5 years or less

Growth – In business for more than 5 years

Startup Entrepreneur of 2025

Growth Entrepreneur of 2025

Host or Publisher The Nashville Entrepreneur Center