2026 Business Leaders of the Year – OPEN NOW
The Mainebiz Business Leaders of the Year awards recognize Maine leaders for outstanding performance in the following categories:
- CEO of the Year: This person is the leader of a for-profit company in Maine that has led their company’s success in 2025
- Entrepreneur of the Year: This person is an entrepreneur who led their startup to success in 2025
- Industry Leader of the Year: This person excelled in their specific industry (health care, manufacturing, energy) to accomplish a significant milestone in 2025
- Innovator of the Year: A person who introduces new methods, ideas or products. They thought out of the box, created something new, or in a traditional industry created something new
- Nonprofit Leader of the Year: This person is the President, CEO, or Executive Director of a Maine-based 501c3 nonprofit that has accomplished a significant milestone in 2025
- Sustainability Leader of the Year: This person reached a sustainable milestone or achievement in the past year
- Breaking Barriers Award: A leader in BIPOC community, LGBTQ+ community or New Mainer community who has made an impact in Maine as the leader of a business, nonprofit or community organization that has helped the lives of other Mainers.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: This individual has had a lasting impact on the Maine business community. Their long-term leadership and mentorship has ensured that the business leaders coming up in their wake have continued success.
Nominations close at 11:59 PM on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Sponsored By: M&T Bank • Northeast Delta Dental • Pierce Atwood, LLP • Saint Joseph’s College of Maine