FORT MYERS, Fla. - TelAve -- The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce has opened nominations and announced sponsorship opportunities for its 2026 Chamber Award.

The awards ceremony will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers. The event will honor finalists and announce winners across multiple award categories.

Nominations are open through Friday, May 15. Members of the community are encouraged to nominate Chamber members in the following categories:

• Small Business of the Year (1-50 employees): Recognizes a for-profit company with less than 50 employees for community leadership, exemplary business practices, innovation and creativity in business, and commitment to employee support and development. The company must be established locally for the last three years.
• Large Business of the Year (50+ employees): Recognizes a for-profit company with more than 50 employees for community leadership, exemplary business practices, innovation and creativity in business, and commitment to employee support and development. The company must be established locally for the last three years.
• Community Impact Award: Recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact within the community and profession throughout their career, either through leadership of their organization's charitable efforts or through personal efforts.
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Recognizes an individual who has made a mark in their field and led the way for other industry players to follow through demonstrated leadership within the profession and business community, significant business achievements and innovative products or services.
• Nonprofit Excellence Award: Recognizes a 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 nonprofit organization that makes a positive impact within the community through unique, impactful programs and services that create change within the communities it serves.
• Young Professional of the Year: Recognizes a young professional age 21-40 as of July 30, 2026, who has emerged as a business leader and demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their career and community.
• Volunteer of the Year: Honors an individual for their outstanding volunteer contributions.

The evening will include the installation of the Chamber's 2026-27 board of directors, recognition of outgoing committee chairs and check presentations from the Chamber Foundation. The program will also present the annual APEX Award.

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Sponsorship opportunities are available for the event: Presenting Sponsor ($7,500), Award Category Sponsors ($3,000), Table Sponsors ($1,350), Connection Sponsors ($1,000) and Unite Sponsors ($600). All sponsorship levels include tickets to the event and recognition across promotional materials. Select higher-level sponsorships receive additional benefits, including speaking opportunities at the event.

Tickets for the Chamber Awards celebration are $150 per person and $1,500 for a table of 10. To learn more, visit FortMyers.org/Events/Awards, call 239-332-2930 or email events@fortmyers.org.