Fast Company World Changing Ideas

SUPER-EARLY-RATE DEADLINE: MARCH 28

Showcase your brand!

Brands That Matter celebrates brands that go beyond the products they sell or the services they provide—the ones that are making a lasting impact through culture and social engagement while staying true to their missions and ideals.

The required Brands That Matter category is evaluated based on timeliness, relevance, cultural and business impact, clarity, and ingenuity. There are six additional categories to be recognized among your peers. Winners will be featured in Fast Company's Winter issue, and all honorees will appear on fastcompany.com.

Super-Early-Rate Deadline: March 28

BRAND EXPOSURE

Every application is seen and evaluated by Fast Company editors and reporters

OPPORTUNITIES

Applicants are often considered for speaking engagements at Fast Company events and exclusive invitations to influencer-only programs

CREDIBILITY

Gain the Fast Company stamp of approval as an exemplar of an innovative brand

VISIBILITY

Winners will appear in the Winter issue of Fast Company and all honorees will appear on fastcompany.com

BREAK NEWS

Tell your organization’s story to the world for the first time; highlight the success of teams within your organization—or partners who’ve helped with your success

There are 6 categories brands can apply to. Every applicant must apply to the Brands That Matter category, which will recognize 100+ brands by industry. Apply for any of the additional categories listed below and increase your chances of recognition—multiple honorees will be named per category!

Brands That Matter
(Required Category)

Top brands that showcase audience connection and cultural relevance to drive business success

Heritage Brands

The iconic legacy brands that stand the test of time. The brands that captivate consumers by celebrating tradition while embracing innovation and have an established authenticity, often over generations.

Family of Brands

More than a parent company, but stewards of the brands we love. These are companies that steer a portfolio of individual brands that stand strong on their own but are a cultural powerhouse as a collective.

Brands That Matter Global

International brands making an impact in their home markets and beyond

Brands That Matter United States

Brands based in the United States that have achieved relevance in their home markets through cultural impact and social engagement

On the Rise: 0-4 Years in Business

Brands that have been in business less than 4 years, typically with impact or cultural presence beyond their age

Established Excellence: 5-14 Years in Business

Brands that have been in business between 5 and 14 years, showing consistency and continued creativity or reinvention to keep brands relevant

Enduring Impact: 15+ Years in Business

Brands that have been in business more than 15 years, with brand efforts that underscore their continued longevity

CMOs of the Year

The marketing executives across global companies, smaller players, international standouts, and more, who inspire and advance the role brands can play in culture

Super-Early-Rate Deadline: March 28