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, 2021 – November 30, 2024, 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, 2021 – November 30, 2024 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 September 24 - November 30, 2024. Your
Revenue Verification Form must be received by Ernst & Young (EY) no later than 11:59 pm (EST) on November 30, 2024. 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 2023, 2022 and 2021, 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 2023, 2022 and 2021, 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 2025 Gator100?
Notifications have been emailed! Any questions, email the Program Team at ufalum@ufalumni.ufl.edu
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If your company made the 2025 Gator100, we encourage you to share this exciting news with your network using the 2025 honoree toolkit available HERE.
When will the 2025 Gator100 be celebrated?
The Gator100 Celebration will be held on April 24-25, 2025.
This dynamic two-day program promises to be an engaging experience, offering numerous networking opportunities, professional development sessions, and a chance to reconnect with the vibrant Gator Nation®. Highlights include the second annual SheEO Brunch and the Gator100 Celebration Reception, which will take place on the evening of April 25 at the iconic Stephen C. O'Connell Center. This interactive reception will honor the achievements of this year’s honorees.
Registration is CLOSED
Hotel Information:
Aloft Hotel
3743 SW Hull Road
Gainesville, FL 32607
Phone: 352-415-3955
Rates: $199 per night
Block Deadline: 4/11/25
Group Name: 2025 Gator100
Online Reservation Link
Hyatt Place Downtown
212 SE 1st Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: 352-496-7500
Rates: $149 per night
Group Name: 2025 Gator 100
Call Sasha Caro-Smith at (352) 496-7503
Hotel Eleo
1514 SW 14th Street
Gainesville, FL 32608
Phone: 352-565-3356
Rates: $159 per night
Block Deadline: 4/11/25
Group Name: UF 2025 Gator 100
Online Reservation Link
Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Gainesville
101 SE 1st Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: 352-240-9300
Rates: $197 per night
Block Deadline: 4/8/25
Group Name: Gator100
Online Reservation Link
Reitz Union Hotel
655 Reitz Union Drive
Gainesville, FL 32611
Phone: 352-392-2151
Rates: $99 per night/Standard Queen & $109 per night/Deluxe Queen or King
Block Deadline: 4/8/25
Group Name: Gator100 2025
Call (352) 392-2151 / Group Code: G100-25
Where can I find a list of past Gator100 honorees?
Archived lists of prior honorees may be found here.