About the Program
Celebrating American Innovation
NEXT. NOW. is a national initiative designed to unite communities across America by showcasing the promise and prosperity that innovation brings to local economies and civic life.
The Community Futures Challenge
The centerpiece of this initiative is the Community Futures Challenge, implemented in coordination with Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business. The Challenge identifies and celebrates entrepreneurs, civic leaders, small business owners, tech founders, and researchers whose ideas strengthen American communities.
Five regional innovation hubs across the country will host activations engaging local partners and highlighting Challenge participants. Each hub brings together approximately 50 high-impact attendees for curated programming, networking, and competition.
Five winning teams will each receive $50,000 to bring their community-focused innovations to life, announced at a national virtual event in January 2027 and celebrated at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and SXSW.
What We're Looking For
We seek actionable ideas that strengthen American communities through:
Expanded workforce opportunities
Modernized infrastructure
Empowered small business growth