Who can receive a FastTrack Award?
FastTrack Awards are presented to “gazelle” companies headquartered in Washtenaw County. “Gazelles” are defined as high-growth companies with a 20 percent increased average revenue for three years, starting from a revenue base of at least $100,000. As gazelle companies are characterized by their rapid growth, rather than their absolute size, they can range in size from small companies to large enterprises.
FastTrack Award winners will be recognized during the award ceremony, an a2tech360 event.
Friday | September 25, 2026 | 6 – 8 p.m.
The Vanguard Hotel
How do you apply?
Complete a short application that asks for basic company information and proof of growth.
When is the deadline?
July 24, 2026.
What is required to win?
To qualify for the 2026 awards, a company must have had at least $100,000 in gross revenue in 2022, with an average growth of at least 20 percent for the following three years. The application will ask for three separate years of revenue figures. These can be federal tax forms (the first page of the annual return) or financial statements issued by independent accountants or financial advisors.
Example equation:
- 2022 (base year): $100,000
- 2023: $122,000 (22% growth)
- 2024: $156,160 (28% growth)
- 2025: $179,584 (15% growth)
If a company meets these criteria, it will win a FastTrack Award!
Who reviews the applications?
Rehmann is the FastTrack Awards accounting partner and event sponsor. Representatives from Rehmann will review the applications and determine if companies meet the criteria. All financial information is kept confidential and Ann Arbor SPARK never views application materials except for the final winners and percentages (if given permission).
Further questions? Contact:
Jennifer Olmstead
Vice President of Business Development
Ann Arbor SPARK
jennifer@annarborusa.org
734-845-2843
What is the FastTrack Awards Event?
The FastTrack Awards is an annual celebration of the companies, leaders, and innovators helping drive economic growth in the Ann Arbor region. As part of a2Tech360, Ann Arbor’s Tech Week (and so much more than that), the event brings together entrepreneurs, executives, investors, and community leaders for an evening of recognition, connection, and inspiration.
New for 2026, the FastTrack Awards is expanding to include a keynote speaker, additional awards recognizing Community Impact and Small Business Excellence, and even more opportunities to network with the people shaping the region’s future.
Expect an energetic evening featuring award presentations, thought-provoking insights, great food and drinks, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate, connect, and make new connections across the innovation ecosystem. Whether you’re being recognized, cheering on a colleague, or simply looking to engage with the region’s business community, FastTrack is one of the standout events of a2Tech360.
Thanks to our sponsor
