VermontBiz Named Rising Stars Class of 2026

Forty young professionals were selected for their business and community contributions across the state.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Awards

Bold vector editorial illustration featuring a mountain silhouette, a mechanical cog, and a maple leaf, symbolizing professional growth in Vermont. — VermontBiz has honored 40 young professionals under the age of 40 in its annual Rising Stars program, recognizing their business and community achievements. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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VermontBiz has announced its 2026 class of Rising Stars, honoring 40 individuals under the age of 40. The annual program recognizes professional excellence and community involvement across Vermont.

Why it matters

The program highlights the contributions young leaders make to the local economy and community development. It celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to professional growth and regional service.

The 2026 class features an average age of 34, with the youngest honoree at 26 and the oldest at 39. Additionally, 21 of the 40 selected winners reside in Chittenden County.

The players

VermontBiz

This organization is a state-focused business media company that produces news, analysis, and professional recognition programs for the Vermont business community.

The details

A panel of six judges evaluated the nominees based on their business growth, professional excellence, and community involvement. The full list of honorees is featured in the November issue of VermontBiz.

VermontBiz announced the Rising Stars class on October 1, 2026.
Honorees are featured in the November 2026 issue of VermontBiz.
An awards event is scheduled to take place on November 4, 2026.

Culture Shift

The accumulation of 760 honorees over the past 17 years reflects a long-term institutional effort to cultivate and retain emerging professional talent within the state. This program mirrors a broader regional shift toward prioritizing and branding young leadership as a core component of sustainable economic development.

Readers can view the full list of recipients in the November issue of the publication to identify emerging industry leaders and peers in their specific sectors. Those interested in local professional networking can attend the ceremony scheduled for early November.

The takeaway

This program serves as a useful resource for identifying up-and-coming talent in the state's professional ecosystem. Readers interested in career development should watch these honorees as indicators of emerging business trends and leadership styles.