All your questions answered

What is Crain's 40 Under 40?

An annual list of 40 people who have achieved success in business before turning 40.

When will Crain's publish the next class of 40 Under 40?

The 40 Under 40 winners will be published on November 4, 2024. 

When do nominations close?

Nominations are due on June 14, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Submit your nomination using the online form here. 

What are the qualifications for 40 Under 40?

First and foremost, we are looking for professional success. We also are interested in knowing about community service, as well as participation in trade groups, etc. Those chosen must be no older than 39 on the section's publication date and must work full-time in the New York business community (the five boroughs of Manhattan and Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties in New York, and Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris and Union counties in New Jersey). 

Who decides who will be in 40 Under 40?

A panel of Crain's editors.

How can I nominate someone for 40 Under 40?

Visit our nomination page. If you do not have an account, you will be asked to create one before you can proceed with the nomination form. We recommend using Chrome or Firefox web browsers to complete your application. Note, your CrainsNewYork.com account is separate from an account you create for 40 Under 40 or any other New York Business recognition program.

How much does it cost to submit a nomination?

The fee is $199. Nomination fees may be paid via credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). Nomination fees are non-refundable. 

Will I be informed if my nominee was not selected?

No. Only selected nominees will be informed in advance of the publication of our annual 40 Under 40 issue.

If I have not heard from Crain's, does that mean my nominee was not selected?

That would be a fair assumption, but please refer to the previous question.

Can an executive be honored as a 40 Under 40 for multiple years?

No, a 40 Under 40 recognition is a one-time honor.

Do I really have to disclose my company's revenue?

Revenue is one of the strongest indicators of business success. Omitting it will greatly reduce the nominee's chances of being selected.

Can I just call you or send you an e-mail with the name of the person I'd like to nominate?

No. We need to have the form filled out, including contact information for the person you are nominating and the fee must be paid.

I want to nominate someone, but can I remain anonymous?

No, we need to know who you are, though we do not share nominator information with any third parties.

I want to nominate my boss, but would it be better if someone higher up nominated him? Can I nominate a family member?

You can nominate yourself, a client, a family member, your boss, an employee or an acquaintance. The most important thing is that you state a clear, business-oriented reason for the nomination.

Will more than one nominee from the same company be accepted?

You can nominate multiple executives from one company, but only one will be chosen. However, multiple candidates from separate divisions of large conglomerates could be chosen.

I would like to nominate someone, but they will turn 40 before your publication date. Can I still nominate that person?

No. Nominations for anyone who does not meet the age requirement are discarded. We verify the birth dates of finalists.

How does the process work?

After we receive a nomination, the editors hold a series of meetings to determine which candidates will be chosen, usually from a universe of several hundred nominees. We strive to come up with a diverse list that represents a broad spectrum of the industries we cover. The process takes three months.

What is required of those who are selected?

Candidates who are selected must make themselves available for an interview with Crain's. They are also required to participate in a photo shoot with a Crain's photographer. Declining either of these requests will disqualify the candidate. 

Can I contact you to see how my nominee is doing in the judging process?

No. We don't give status reports. If we need any further information, we will contact you. Please be patient.

I was not picked for 40 Under 40. Can you tell me why?

With hundreds of candidates and only 40 slots, the majority of hopefuls will not be chosen. We cannot explain why you weren't picked because it won't be for any one reason, and may be for reasons that have to do with presenting a diverse range of professions and industries.

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