The Gator100 is a university-wide initiative designed to recognize and engage successful Gator business owners and entrepreneurs. The Gator100 ranks the 100 fastest-growing Gator businesses in the world based on compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last three fiscal years.
What is the criteria to apply for the Gator100?
The criteria to apply for the Gator100 can be found here.
Please review the application checklist found here.
What does it mean to be Gator-owned or led?
For the period of January 1, 2022 – October 31, 2025, the company must have been owned or led by a Gator or group of Gators, meeting one or more of the following:
» Gator founded and founder still involved at senior level if not President or CEO.
» Gator-owned means 50% or more owned by a Gator or group of Gators.
» Gator-led means a Gator as CEO, President, Managing Partner or Chairman.
My company was acquired by or merged with another entity. Do I still qualify for the Gator100?
Applicants who have had a change in their company’s legal operations (e.g. acquisition and/or merger) and are combining the results of related companies MUST provide verifiable financial data and a reconciliation summary as part of the application process.
My company is Publicly-traded. Do I qualify for the Gator100?
Publicly-traded companies are eligible to apply for the Gator100. Company executive leadership must meet the requirements stated above (e.g. CEO, President, Managing Partner, Owner, etc.) for the period of January 1, 2022 – October 31, 2025 and be listed on the company’s most recent SEC Form 10-K . The SEC Form 10-K must be submitted during the online application process for leadership verification.
How do I apply for the Gator100?
What is the Gator100 application timeline?
Applications are open August 27 - October 31, 2025. Your
Revenue Verification Form must be received by Ernst & Young (EY) no later than 11:59 pm (EST) on October 31, 2025. The documents must be emailed to Gator100@ey.com.
You will receive one auto-reply email from EY confirming receipt of financial documents.
What financial information is required for the application?
Applicants should submit a Gator100 Revenue Verification Form to EY. If you are unable to submit the Gator100 Revenue Verification Form, submit one of the following forms to EY to verify sales or revenues (net of returns):
(1) Audited or reviewed financial statements by an external CPA firm (i.e. auditors signed opinion letter) for the years 2024, 2023 and 2022, or your most recently completed three fiscal years. Note, internal letters from auditors are not permissible.
(2) The business' signed U.S. Income Tax Return for the years 2024, 2032 and 2022, or your most recently completed three fiscal years (forms accepted: 1120, 1120S, 1065, Schedule C).
How can I be assured my financial information will be handled confidentiality?
To ensure the integrity and credibility of the ranked list, our independent accounting firm, Ernst & Young (EY) confidentially manages all applicant financial information and calculations. Financial information will never be shared with the University of Florida or its personnel, published or made public. As such, no parties will enter into a non-disclosure agreement.
How can I verify my application was received?
Applicants should receive a confirmation email upon successful submission of their application. Please check the spam folder of the email contact that was listed on the application. Any questions regarding application status may be directed to ufalum@ufalumni.ufl.edu
How can I verify my financial information was received?
Applicants will receive ONE auto-generated confirmation email from EY upon submission of their financial information. No further follow up is required on part of the applicant. An EY representative will reach out if there are questions with your financial documents.
What sponsorship opportunities are available?
Contact Staci McDonough (Director, Business Development) to learn about sponsorship opportunities to support this year's program.
When will I be notified if I did or did not make the 2026 Gator100?
Notifications are emailed early January, 2026. Any questions, email the Program Team at ufalum@ufalumni.ufl.edu
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If your company made the 2026 Gator100, we encourage you to share this exciting news with your network using the 2026 honoree toolkit available HERE.
When will the 2026 Gator100 be celebrated?
The Gator100 Celebration will be held on April 10-11, 2026.
This dynamic one-day program promises to be an engaging experience, offering networking opportunities, and a chance to reconnect with the vibrant Gator Nation®. Highlights include the Gator100 Celebration Reception, which will take place on the evening of April 10 at the iconic Stephen C. O'Connell Center. This interactive reception will honor the achievements of this year’s honorees.
Registration Coming Soon
Hotel Blocks: April 9-12
AC Hotels by Marriott Gainesville
151 NW 14th Street
Gainesville, FL 32603
Phone: 352-792-1151
Rates: $209 per night
Block deadline: 3/8/2026
Group Name: Gator100
Online Reservation Link
Aloft Gainesville
3743 SW Hull Road
Gainesville, FL 32607
Phone: 352-378-1100
Rates: $179 per night
Block deadline: 3/9/2026
Group Name: 2026 Gator100
Online Reservation Link
Hampton Inn & Suites Gainesville Downtown
101 SE 1st Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: 352-240-9300
Rates: $149 Wed; $159 Thurs/Fri per night
Block deadline: 6/9/2026
Group Name: UFAA Gator100
Online Reservation Link
Hilton UF Conference Center
1714 SW 34th Street
Gainesville, FL 32607
Phone: 352-371-3600
Rates: $159 Wed/Thurs; $229 Fri/Sat per night
Block deadline: 3/8/2026
Group Name: Gator100
Online Reservation Link
Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida
1514 SW 14th Street
Gainesville, FL 32608
Phone: 352-565-3750
Rates: $165 per night
Block deadline: 3/11/2026
Group Name: Gator100
Online Reservation Link
Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown
212 SE 1st Street
Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: 352-496-7505 ask for Gaby
Rates: $144 per night
Block deadline: 3/9/2026
Group Code: GATO
Online Reservation Link
Residence Inn Gainesville I-75
3275 SW 40th Blvd.
Gainesville, FL 32608
Phone: 352-264-000
Rates: $139 per night
Block deadline: 3/16/2026
Group Name: Gator100 Celebration
Online Reservation Link
Where can I find a list of past Gator100 honorees?
Archived lists of prior honorees may be found here.