Nomination Guidelines and Process
The Global Business Hall of Fame creates an opportunity for communities worldwide to celebrate and recognize the distinguished luminaries and visionary innovators who define excellence in business. The program seeks a diverse cohort of candidates who represent the global stage and contribute to the greater good in tangible ways—specifically through a commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals) that align with JA’s mission.
Innovator: The Innovator award recognizes a visionary changemaker under 40 years of age who possesses a profound entrepreneurial spirit and an unwavering commitment to community. This individual is actively transforming the business landscape and has emerged as a distinct presence on the national or global stage. Characterized by courage, passion, and a high-energy approach to their work, the Innovator serves as an inspiration to the next generation by promoting systemic change and innovation for the global good. Beyond commercial success, this award celebrates those who demonstrate significant future potential to influence entire industries, strengthen communities, and reshape global systems.
Leader: The Leader award honors a distinguished luminary and established executive whose vision, stewardship, and decision-making have shaped organizations that create lasting value for society. This individual is an architect of institutional legacy, having guided teams, resources, and strategy over a sustained period to advance business as a force for good. Exhibiting the highest standards of integrity, inclusivity, and a global perspective, the Leader’s impact extends far beyond traditional organizational success. They serve as an ambassador for systemic change, strengthening the broader industries, communities, and global systems in which they operate. This award recognizes those whose leadership serves as a definitive role model, demonstrating that ethical governance and large-scale societal contribution are the hallmarks of modern business excellence.
Nomination Guidelines and Process
The nomination process is designed to engage diverse stakeholders from around the world. Nominees will be vetted throughout the process by two committees and the final Voting Jury. The methodology and process for Global Business Hall of Fame nominees was established with support from PwC and is now overseen and managed by August Leadership, which will partner with JA Worldwide to ensure protocols are followed in the selection of laureates.
Nominations: Nominations open to the public beginning 12:01pmEDT on April 23, 2026, and end at 11:59:59pmEDT on May 25, 2026. No entries nominations will be accepted after 11:59:59pmEDT on May 25, 2026.
Round 1: Nominations will be evaluated first by a Review Committee to determine a shortlist of nominees that will then be evaluated by a Selection Committee. The Selection Committee will determine the list of eight (8) finalists and two (2) alternates.
Finalist Notification and Due Diligence: Finalists will be contacted by a JA Worldwide representative and due diligence will be done. Finalists must accept the terms of agreement of the JA Global Business Hall of Fame to move forward in the process.
Round 2: Finalists will be put forth for the Voting Jury to select the 2026 inductees.
Nominee Eligibility
Must be at least 18 years old.
Nominee cannot be a member of the Review Committee, Selection Committee, or Voting Jury in same year.
Nominators cannot be a member of the Voting Jury in the same year.
Nominees cannot be current Junior Achievement (JA) employees or employed by JA in the last 12 months.
Diversity
The Global Business Hall of Fame seeks diverse candidates who represent the global stage, contributing to the greater good in tangible ways, and whose stories and achievements inspire the next generation. JA Worldwide is committed to sending forth a representative group of finalists to the Voting Jury, which will select the 2026 Laureates to be recognized in the Global Business Hall of Fame.
Nominee Commitment
Each nominee must be willing to agree with the following terms:
If selected as a finalist for the Global Business Hall of Fame, each nominee will . . .
Acknowledge JA Worldwide will utilize some of your personal information and your global contributions in marketing the Global Business Hall of Fame.
Agree to create a video in collaboration with JA Worldwide to be used for promotion of the nominee to the Global Business Hall of Fame and for educational purposes to inspire youth and the JA global network.
Understand that August Leadership will conduct a due diligence check on all finalists.
Meet with JA Worldwide representatives following selection.
Understand that JA Worldwide may conduct further due diligence on finalists after meeting.
If selected for the 2026 Global Business Hall of Fame, Laureates will also . . .
Be willing to work with JA Worldwide to explore an overall engagement and collaboration strategy to impact youth around the globe in alignment with the JA mission.
Participate in virtual and/or in-person recognition events presented by JA Worldwide.
Collaborate with JA Worldwide in the development of the Laureate digital Hall of Fame exhibit, which remains in the virtual Global Business Hall of Fame in perpetuity.