UB Fast 46 seeks nominations of alumni-run businesses

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The University at Buffalo announced on Wednesday the second annual UB Fast 46 competition, open to alumni and former students who own or lead businesses.

Named in honor of UB’s founding in 1846, the program recognizes and celebrates the success of 46 of the fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UB alumni or former students around the world.

To be considered a Fast 46 finalist, eligible companies must have been in business for at least three years; have verifiable revenues of at least $100,000 or more in 2018 and 2019 and at least $250,000 in 2020; and the owner, CEO, president, managing partner, director or chair must be UB alumni or former students.

Nominations — self-submitted or by a third party — are open from Jan. 5 to March 18, and are followed by a formal application to prove eligibility and provide required financial documents.

“We had an amazing response last year to the inaugural UB Fast 46 competition,” says Kristen Murphy, assistant vice president for alumni engagement. “So we are reaching out to UB alumni to nominate fast-growing alumni businesses again.”

Companies will be ranked by the percentage of cumulative annual growth in revenue for the three most-recent 12-month reporting periods. The 46 companies with the highest revenue growth rates — as verified by official verification firm The Bonadio Group, a Top 50 certified public accountant firm with offices in Buffalo, throughout New York State and beyond — will be selected for the UB Fast 46 at an event in September.

“We’re thrilled to partner with UB on this initiative,” said Denise Neamon, Buffalo-based partner with The Bonadio Group. “As both a UB alumna and a graduate of UB’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership program, I’m extremely passionate about recognizing and rewarding individuals and companies that are excelling since their time at our alma mater.”

“We encourage businesses to apply annually to maintain or improve their ranking,” Murphy says, “indicating they are continuing to thrive and succeed. And we encourage companies who may have missed out last year to apply this year.”

More information, including criteria, nomination forms and deadlines, are available at buffalo.edu/alumni/fast46. Additional questions may be directed to Krystal Testa in the Office of Alumni Engagement at kntesta@buffalo.edu or 716-645-0886.