UB launches Fast 46 competition for alumni entrepreneurs

UB is seeking applicants for its inaugural UB Fast 46 competition.

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

“We were inspired by Buffalo’s economic resurgence, the strength of the business community and the entrepreneurs who have come out of UB,” says Cynthia Khoo-Robinson, associate vice president for alumni engagement and annual giving. “Fast 46 is a unique way for successful business leaders to compete for a ranking among their peers.”

The process to be considered for Fast 46 is twofold: Initial nominations — which may be self-submitted or by a third party — and a formal application to prove eligibility and provide the required financial documents. Eligible companies must have been in business for at least three years; have verifiable revenues of at least $100,000 or more in 2016 and 2017, and at least $250,000 in 2018; and the owner, CEO, president, managing partner or chairman must be UB alumni or former students. Nominations for Fast 46 are now open.

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 The Bonadio Group, a Buffalo-based accounting firm — will be selected for the inaugural UB Fast 46 at an event in October 2020.

“We hope businesses will apply annually to maintain or grow their ranking,” Khoo-Robinson says, “indicating they are continuing to thrive and succeed.”

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