Zoom has officially opened nominations for its inaugural Zoom Solopreneur 50 List (ZSP50), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at recognizing and supporting the achievements of solopreneurs across the United States. This program celebrates individuals who are transforming the entrepreneurial landscape by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to build and manage their businesses independently. Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. ET on February 13, 2026, with individuals encouraged to nominate themselves or others via a brief online form at zoom.com/solo50.
The ZSP50 seeks to honor 50 innovative solopreneurs—individuals who operate as independent creators, consultants, educators, inventors, and innovators. These entrepreneurs are utilizing technology and creativity to make significant impacts in their fields. According to Kimberly Storin, Chief Marketing Officer at Zoom, “AI is expanding what a single person can accomplish.” She emphasizes that solopreneurs are adopting AI to enhance efficiency and sophistication in their operations, demonstrating that successful scaling is about capability rather than company size.
AI’s Role in Solopreneur Success
The United States is home to over 30 million small businesses, with 82% operating without any employees, as reported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. For many of these solopreneurs, AI has become essential, improving decision-making and customer engagement. A recent survey conducted by Zoom in collaboration with Upwork indicated that 64% of small businesses, including solopreneurs, stated they could not sustain their operations without AI technology.
Moreover, the findings revealed that 91% of small businesses experienced a return on their AI investments within one year. The respondents noted significant benefits, including reduced costs (82%), increased customer acquisition (91%), and improved customer retention (87%). This adaptability allows solopreneurs to swiftly adopt AI tools, providing them with a competitive edge through real-time application and learning.
Lisa Scheiring, Global Small Business Advisor at Zoom, commented, “Some of the most effective uses of AI aren’t coming from big companies – they’re solopreneurs.” She noted that these entrepreneurs are not waiting for established protocols but are actively using AI to address immediate challenges, from operational visibility to executing comprehensive marketing strategies.
Details of the ZSP50 Program
The ZSP50 initiative is part of Zoom’s broader commitment to empower independent business builders with essential resources and platforms for growth. To qualify for recognition, nominees must meet specific criteria: they must operate a U.S.-based business with no full-time employees, have been in operation for at least 12 months, and demonstrate innovation and measurable impact.
A jury composed of experts from Zoom’s extensive network will evaluate the nominees based on several factors, including originality of idea or execution, financial performance, measurable business impact, cultural and community connection, and influence on relevant sectors. The selected honorees will be announced in the second quarter of 2026.
Honorees will gain exposure through Zoom’s platforms and media ecosystem, along with access to a community of peers and mentors. Additionally, the top five honorees will receive financial grants to further accelerate their business growth and impact.
For further information regarding the nomination process or the ZSP50 program, interested parties can visit zoom.com/solo50 or contact Zoom directly at [email protected].
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Jose, California, Zoom is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol ZM. The company is dedicated to providing an AI-first platform designed to enhance human connection and collaboration.
