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Community invited to nominate companies and leaders; Nomination window open now through Aug. 1, inspired by this year’s theme “Miami: Built by the World. For the World.”
MIAMI, FL (JUNE 25, 2026) – The Miami-Dade Beacon Council, the County’s official public-private economic development partnership, is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Beacon Awards, inviting the community to recognize the companies and leaders whose leadership, innovation, and impact are defining the future of Greater Miami.
As Miami-Dade’s premier business recognition program, the Beacon Awards recognize excellence, impact, and leadership across Miami-Dade’s key industries, small business community, and next generation of business leadership. Nominations are open now through August 1, 2026. Individuals and companies may apply directly, and PR firms, community organizations, and business leaders are also encouraged to nominate companies or clients they believe deserve to be recognized.
“Miami’s story has always been shaped by the people who see opportunity, embrace innovation, and are willing to build something meaningful for today and generations to come,” said Rodrick T. Miller, President & CEO, the Miami-Dade Beacon Council. “Some of Miami’s most inspiring leaders and organizations are too busy building businesses, creating opportunities, and serving their communities to tell their own stories. The Beacon Awards give us a chance to do that while at the same time inspiring the next generation to leave their mark.”
“The strength of Greater Miami lies in the people, businesses, and organizations that choose to invest in our community and help it grow,” said Christine Barney, Chair, the Miami-Dade Beacon Council and CEO of rbb Communications. “The Beacon Awards celebrates their unmatched commitment and helps ensure Miami remains one of the most dynamic and competitive regions in the world.”
Award Categories & Nomination Process
Award categories are designed to capture the momentum across key industries, including Aviation & Aerospace, Finance, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Technology, Trade & Logistics, and Professional Services. Additional honors include the Small Business Award, celebrating a company making a sizeable impact on the region, and the One2Watch Award, recognizing an emerging leader under 45 whose leadership is helping shape Miami’s future.
The recipients of the 2026 Jay Malina Leadership Award and Founders’ Award will be announced in the coming weeks. These prestigious honors recognize individuals whose vision and lasting contributions embody the principles upon which The Beacon Council was founded and the legacy of those who helped build the framework that still endures today.
Serving as Chair of the 2026 Beacon Awards Host Committee, Pablo Pino, President, South Florida Market, TD Bank, will help lead a coalition of business and community leaders dedicated to recognizing the individuals and organizations shaping Miami’s future. Three finalists in each of the eight award categories will be announced in September, with winners recognized at the 2026 Beacon Awards on October 26, 2026, at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami.
The event will bring together more than 600 business, civic, and community leaders to celebrate those boldly contributing to Miami’s continued growth and success. To submit a nomination, explore sponsorship opportunities, or learn more about this year’s awards, click here.
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About The Beacon Awards
The Beacon Awards are a component of the current One Community One Goal (OCOG) initiative to diversify the local economy and promote higher-paying jobs. OCOG was updated from the 1998 original founded and co-chaired by the late Jay T. Malina. Proceeds help fund the Miami-Dade Beacon Council’s efforts on behalf of County businesses to promote the community’s assets to the world, diversify our economy and assist local companies with expansion needs.
About the Miami-Dade Beacon Council
The Miami-Dade Beacon Council is the County’s official economic development partnership, focused on driving a more sustainable, inclusive, and competitive economy for Greater Miami. Since 1985, the Beacon Council has attracted more than 160,000 new jobs and $8.4 billion in investments to the region. For more information, visit The Beacon Council’s website.
Press Contact:
press@beaconcouncil.com
