USF Fast 56 Awards

Previous awardees are encouraged to submit an application; there is no need to complete a nomination.

Previous awardees are encouraged to submit an application; there is no need to complete a nomination.

About the USF Fast 56

The Fast 56 identifies, recognizes, and celebrates the world's fastest-growing USF Bull-owned or Bull-led businesses. The awards celebrate their success while providing a forum to pass lessons to the next generation of Bull entrepreneurs.

Eligibility Criteria

Nominated companies are ranked by percentage of cumulative annual growth in revenue for the most recent three fiscal years. Companies must meet all three criteria:

  1. The company must have been in operation for a minimum of 36 months.
  2. The company must have verifiable revenue of at least $100,000 for the first two reporting periods and $250,000 for the most recent 12-month period.
  3. The company must be owned or operated by a former USF student who meets one of the following:
    • A former USF student or group of former students must have owned 50% or more of the company during the eligible period.
      • OR
    • A former USF student must have served as the company’s chief executive (e.g. chairman, CEO, president or managing partner) during the eligible period.
      • OR
    • A former USF student must have founded the company and been an active member of the most senior management team during the eligible period.

2026 Award Timeline

March 1
Nominations and applications open

April 1
Nominations close

May 1
Applications close

June
Award recipients notified

September 24
Awards Ceremony and Reception


USF Fast 56 Scholarship

The USF Fast 56 scholarship embodies the spirit of USF Alumni entrepreneurs who encourage the current generation to dream big. We accept compelling applications from currently enrolled USF students with visionary business ideas. Applicants must submit an essay of up to three (3) pages typed explaining their ideas. 

Give to this Scholarship

 

Congratulations to our 2025 Fast 56 winners!

View the digital event program.

Thank you to our sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

 

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Gold Sponsor

Regions Bank

Event Sponsor

RSM