The Zoom Solopreneur 50 recognizes and supports the most innovative, independent business builders redefining work, creativity, and impact in today’s economy.
The Zoom Solopreneur 50 (ZSP50) is a first-of-its-kind recognition program spotlighting the individuals proving what a business of one can achieve. These honorees are innovators who combine technology, creativity, and conviction to build resilient, high-impact ventures entirely on their own.
Selected by a distinguished jury of business leaders, academics, and innovators, the ZSP50 will form a national index of excellence — recognizing the builders and thinkers turning ideas into impact, one person at a time.
Solopreneurs are transforming the global economy, and we believe the first solo-built unicorn isn’t far off. Every day, millions of individuals are turning their skills, creativity, and conviction into businesses built entirely on their own terms.
At Zoom, our mission is to empower these builders with the tools, visibility, and community they need to grow.
The ZSP50 marks the beginning of a new movement — one that recognizes the courage, originality, and influence of today’s solo business leaders and connects them with opportunities to expand their reach.
Recognition as one of the 50 most inspiring solopreneurs in America is just the beginning.Honorees will also gain:
Spotlight across Zoom’s digital platforms, media partners, and content ecosystem.
Access to peers, mentors, and experts shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
Support through Zoom technology, collaboration opportunities, and growth tools.
Zoom has committed $150,000 to be distributed to the Top-5 honorees to accelerate their ventures. That short list will be announced after all 50 and at a launch event.
We’re seeking individuals who embody the spirit of independence, innovation, and impact — entrepreneurs operating on their own, without full-time employees, across sectors including:
A solopreneur may be a content creator, inventor, consultant, coach, or independent designer — anyone building a business of one with big ambition.
For this program, the solopreneur should be the only full-time employee in their operations, though working with contractors or partners is absolutely welcomed.
Nominees will be evaluated by the ZSP50 jury across five key dimensions:
Open until February 13
Q1 2026
Q2 2026
Are you a solopreneur redefining what it means to build a business? Or do you know one?
Complete the application form and tell us about yourself – or the person you are nominating.
A national recognition program celebrating 50 of the most innovative, independent business builders operating solo across the U.S.
Anyone running and growing a business entirely on their own — with no full-time employees — including creators, consultants, inventors, educators, and digital entrepreneurs.
You’ll complete a short online form with key details about the nominee, their business, and their impact.
Honorees will join the inaugural ZSP50 group, gaining national visibility, access to a peer network, and eligibility for future collaborations with Zoom and its partners.
Yes. The Top 5 honorees will receive financial grants to further their ventures, alongside continued visibility and support through Zoom’s ecosystem.
The program welcomes applicants from 12 categories, including technology, creative and design, consulting, education, wellness, media, and social impact sectors.
A jury of experts from Zoom, academia, entrepreneurship, and related industries will review nominations and select honorees based on defined criteria.
Judging focuses on originality, financial performance, impact, authenticity, and influence. Not all applicants must meet every criterion, but alignment with several strengthens consideration.
No. Nominations are free to submit.
The honorees will be featured across Zoom’s digital platforms and will become part of a growing network that informs a broader initiative launching in 2026.
At this time, the program is open to U.S.-based solopreneurs only. Applicants must be operating primarily within the United States.
No. While many applicants may already use Zoom tools, usage is not a requirement for nomination or selection.
No. Nomination details are used solely for evaluation purposes. They may be reviewed by the Zoom Solopreneur 50 team and jury panel. If selected honorees will have the opportunity to review information for accuracy before publication.
Honorees may be invited to share their stories in Zoom program information or materials. Standard marketing permissions will be requested for use across Zoom’s channels.
Zoom’s mission has always been to connect people and enable new ways of working. With the ZSP50, we’re celebrating the innovators who embody that mission — running their entire business on connection, creativity, and courage.
Join us in recognizing the individuals who, on their own, are building what’s next.
If you have any questions, email us at solo@zoom.com.