The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the opening of nominations for the 40 Under 40 Awards, an annual recognition program highlighting outstanding young professionals who are making significant contributions to our community.

Now in its 8th year, the 40 Under 40 Awards aim to honor individuals under the age of 40 who exemplify exceptional leadership, innovation, and service within Brunswick, New Hanover, or Pender counties. From dedicated nonprofit champions to dynamic business leaders and committed community servants, the award celebrates the diverse talents and contributions of our region's emerging leaders.

Criteria for nomination include:

• Nominees must be younger than 40 years old as of September 30, 2026.

• Nominees must reside or work within Brunswick, New Hanover, or Pender counties.

• Nominees must demonstrate a strong commitment to serving others in the community.

Past recipients of the 40 Under 40 Awards have been actively involved in various community endeavors, including nonprofits, church leadership, and innovative business ventures. Their collective impact has helped shape the fabric of our region, inspiring positive change and progress.

Nominations are open until 12:00 pm on April 17, 2026. We encourage individuals and organizations across the community to submit detailed and specific nominations to ensure deserving candidates receive proper recognition.

A distinguished panel of judges, comprised of chamber leadership, previous award winners, local business leaders, and government partners, will carefully review all submissions to select the final recipients. Their decisions will be based on the content and quality of the nominations, emphasizing the nominee's impact, leadership qualities, and dedication to community service.

Nominations for 2026 will be open from Monday, March 2, through 12:00 pm on April 17, 2026. To submit a nomination, please click here.

Meet previous award winners: