FORT MYERS, Fla. - s4story -- Applications are now open for the 2026 Industry Appreciation Awards, Southwest Florida's premier business recognition program.

Now in its 34^th year, the Industry Appreciation Awards recognize Lee County's top businesses and business leaders that drive the local economy, employ the workforce and shape their industries. The awards program is sponsored by the Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, June 30.

The Industry Appreciation Awards will recognize winners and finalists in seven categories:

• Large Manufacturer of the Year Award – Celebrates a large manufacturing business with 51 or more employees that has achieved remarkable growth in output and scale over the last three years.
• Small Manufacturer of the Year Award – Celebrates a small manufacturing business with 50 or fewer employees that has achieved remarkable growth in output and scale over the last three years.
• Large Business of the Year Award – Recognizes a Lee County company with 51 or more employees that has demonstrated exceptional growth in revenue, workforce, products or services over the past three years.
• Small Business of the Year – Recognizes a Lee County company that has up to 50 employees that has demonstrated exceptional growth in revenue, workforce, products or services over the past three years.
• Start Up of the Year – Celebrates a business founded in Lee County that has launched within the past three years and is already demonstrating strong momentum and community impact.
• Tech Catalyst Award – Recognizes a company with a strong and sustained presence in Lee County that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to strengthening the technology ecosystem in Southwest Florida. This award honors long-term regional impact, workforce investment and community leadership, not just business success or rapid growth.
• Lee Trailblazer Award – Recognizes a business founded in Lee County that has demonstrated exceptional growth while embodying values that strengthen the broader business community, expand opportunities, cultivate local partnerships and promote long-term, inclusive success. Eligible businesses must be founded and headquartered in Lee County, have been in continuous operation for more than three years, and demonstrate measurable growth in revenue, employment, services and regional reach.

The Industry Appreciation Awards event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, at Caloosa Sound Convention Center, 1375 Monroe St. in Fort Myers. Application forms are available at IndustryAppreciationAwards.com (https://www.industryappreciationawards.com/). Self-nominations are allowed.

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