COMPANY OF THE YEAR 2026-2027
Nominees announced!
Welcome to the page for the Company of the Year 2026–2027 awards. We award this title to businesses that make a valuable contribution to the city, in whatever field. Whether through innovation, social engagement, growth, courage or collaboration: this competition puts the spotlight on the entrepreneurship that drives our city forward. This year marks an anniversary edition: the competition is taking place for the 40th time, in the year that Almere celebrates its 50th anniversary. Keep an eye on this page, sign up for the newsletter or follow us on LinkedIn.
Nominees for ‘Company of the Year 2026–2027’ announced!
This year, nine companies from Almere have once again been nominated for the title of ‘Company of the Year 2026–2027’. The award is presented in three categories: Startups, Small Businesses and Medium-to-Large Businesses. The selection was carried out by a panel of experts chaired by Councillor Jan-Bert Vroege (Economic Development). The winner in each category is chosen by the jury. On the evening of Friday 20 November 2026, during the evening program at Entrepreneurs’ Day, the winners in the three categories and the People’s Choice Award will be announced. From 16 October, you can vote for the People’s Choice Award. Read the news article.
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Starter
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Small Business
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Mid-sized company
Key dates 2026
- Video and photo shoots of nominated businesses will take place between 2 and 11 September
- Wednesday 7 October and Thursday morning, 8 October: Company visits by the expert jury
- Wednesday 21 October Almere Business Release (nominees)
- Voting for the People’s Choice Award is open from Friday 16 October to Friday 6 November.
- Friday evening, 20 November: Company of the Year 2026–2027 Awards
- Wednesday 9 December Almere Business Release (winners)
Election with 3 categories & Audience Award
Each year, awards are presented in three categories: Starter, Small Business and Medium-sized Business. In addition, there is the Audience Award. So there is always a category in which your company fits - or a company you think deserves this title. A professional jury evaluates all entries based on fixed criteria and selects three nominees per category. These companies are put in the spotlight towards the grand finale. The winners per category and the winner of the Audience Award, with the most votes, will be announced during the annual festive networking event for entrepreneurs on Friday 20 November 2026.
Review edition 2025-2026 ''
Charities also win
Each nominee chooses an Almerian charity. As much as half of the proceeds from ticket sales of the festive networking evening will go to these charities. In addition, each charity linked to the four award winners will receive an extra contribution of €500!
A tribute to 40 years of entrepreneurship
For four decades, the award has honoured entrepreneurs who contribute to Almere’s growth. A special anniversary, coinciding with Almere’s 50th anniversary. What began in 1986 as an initiative by the Municipality of Almere and the Almere Business Association (VBA) has grown into the city’s premier entrepreneurial award. For forty years, the Entrepreneurs’ Award has been putting the spotlight on entrepreneurs who, with courage, vision and perseverance, contribute to the economic and social development of Almere. Event manager Conny Bouw (Almere City Council) tells Almere Zaken more; read the article.
View all winners »
Aftermovie Election night 2025-2026
