The University of Central Florida (UCF) Alumni Association has announced the launch of the Ever Upward: Fastest-Growing Knight Businesses awards, a new annual program designed to recognize Knight-owned or -led companies that have demonstrated significant revenue growth, innovation, and leadership.
According to Rodney Grabowski, UCF’s senior vice president for Advancement and Partnerships and CEO of the UCF Foundation, “Our alumni are building companies that are growing rapidly and making a real impact in their industries and communities. Ever Upward recognizes success and the entrepreneurial drive behind it. This program shines a light on Knight-led businesses that are scaling with purpose.”
The awards will honor businesses based solely on verified financial performance over a three-year period, specifically cumulative percentage revenue growth across reporting periods for 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rankings will be independently tabulated by Carr, Riggs & Ingram, an accounting and advisory firm serving as the official tabulation partner for the program.
“Ever Upward … shines a light on Knight-led businesses that are scaling with purpose,” said Grabowski.
Applications for the inaugural awards open February 3 and close March 26. Eligible companies must have been in operation since at least January 2022, meet minimum revenue thresholds, and be owned or led by UCF alumni.
Michael Harding, UCF associate vice president for partnerships, stated: “Our alumni don’t just represent UCF, they extend it. Ever Upward celebrates Knight-owned and Knight-led businesses whose leadership and momentum mirror the ambition of this university and uniquely position them to build powerful partnerships with UCF.”
Honorees will be recognized at an event scheduled for August 14, 2026. Finalists will be announced in early summer prior to the celebration. More information about eligibility requirements is available on the UCF Ever Upward webpage.
