NBJ Opens Nominations for 2027 40 Under 40, Joining Wave of Nebraska Awards

Lede

The Nebraska Business Journal (NBJ) announced today that nominations are officially open for its 2027 40 Under 40 awards, a yearly roster that spotlights entrepreneurs, executives and community innovators under the age of 40. The call arrives alongside the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s (UNMC) invitation for nominations to its 2027 Impact in Education Awards, signaling a statewide surge in programs that honor rising talent.

Core developments

NBJ’s nomination portal now accepts submissions through the end of September, with the organization urging both peers and the public to put forward candidates who have demonstrated “exceptional leadership, community impact, and professional achievement,” according to the journal’s announcement source 1. Nominees are evaluated by a panel of past winners, senior business editors and community leaders, each bringing a track record of judging the caliber of work that defines the award.

The 2027 cohort will join a lineage that began in 2005 and has grown into one of Nebraska’s most coveted recognitions. Last year’s winners included a blend of tech founders, health‑care innovators and nonprofit directors, a pattern reflected in the 2026 “look inside” feature that profiled recipients such as Blake Wilson of Insbank, Amanda Guadarrama of W.E. O’Neil, and John Webb of Pinnacle Financial Partners source 3. Their stories illustrate the award’s focus on diversity of sector and the ability to drive measurable change in the state’s economy.

Beyond the 40 Under 40, UNMC’s Impact in Education Awards also opened nominations, targeting educators, administrators and program leaders whose work has “significantly advanced educational outcomes” across Nebraska source 2. The UNMC awards will be presented in early 2027, with a selection committee comprising university faculty, district superintendents and community partners.

Both award programs stress transparency in the nomination process. NBJ requires nominators to submit a résumé, a concise narrative of the nominee’s achievements, and at least two references who can attest to the candidate’s impact. UNMC follows a similar template, asking for a description of the educational initiative, evidence of outcomes, and letters of support from peers or supervisors.

Why it matters

Recognition from NBJ’s 40 Under 40 often translates into heightened visibility for emerging leaders, opening doors to new partnerships, investment and recruitment opportunities. Past winners have reported increased media exposure and invitations to speak at regional conferences, which in turn amplifies their ability to attract talent and capital to their ventures. The award also serves as a barometer for Nebraska’s economic health, highlighting sectors that are thriving—such as fintech, health‑care services and sustainable agriculture.

Similarly, UNMC’s Impact in Education Awards shine a light on innovative teaching practices and community‑college collaborations that can be scaled statewide. By celebrating educators who improve graduation rates, close achievement gaps, or integrate technology into curricula, the awards help shape policy discussions and inform funding priorities at the state level.

Collectively, these nomination cycles reinforce a culture of merit‑based acknowledgment that can inspire younger professionals and students to pursue ambitious projects, knowing that their contributions may be publicly honored.

Differing viewpoints and reactions

Community leaders have largely praised the simultaneous launch of both award programs, noting that they complement each other by covering both the business and education ecosystems. “When we celebrate business innovators and educators side by side, we underscore the interdependence of economic growth and a skilled workforce,” said a senior NBJ editor in an interview referenced by the journal’s coverage source 1.

However, some critics argue that the nomination process could benefit from broader outreach to under‑represented groups. A diversity advocate quoted in the 2026 profile series expressed concern that “while the award has made strides, many qualified candidates from rural communities and minority backgrounds remain unaware of the nomination windows” source 3. In response, NBJ’s board announced plans to host informational webinars in Omaha, Lincoln and Grand Island to widen participation.

UNMC’s nomination call also sparked debate among educators. A faculty member from a small‑town college praised the initiative for “validating the hard work of teachers who often operate without fanfare,” but warned that “the criteria must remain rigorous to ensure the award truly reflects transformative impact” source 2. The university’s selection committee has pledged to release a detailed rubric after the nomination period closes.

What’s next

NBJ will begin its review phase in October, with finalists announced at a gala in early November. Winners will be revealed at the NBJ Awards Dinner scheduled for late January 2027, where they will join past honorees such as Blake Wilson, Amanda Guadarrama and John Webb—each of whom highlighted the career boost the award provided them source 4 source 5 source 6. The event will also feature a networking reception for nominees, sponsors and local business leaders.

UNMC expects to complete its selection by December, followed by a ceremony on the university’s campus in February 2027. Recipients will be invited to share best practices at a statewide education summit slated for the spring, reinforcing the award’s role as a catalyst for systemic improvement.

Both award programs encourage interested parties to submit nominations online and to follow NBJ and UNMC on social media for updates on deadlines, webinars and finalist announcements.