The eight entrepreneurs shortlisted for the industry category in this year's awards are profiled below. They run businesses ranging from hotels, jewellery, brewing and food.
Two of those shortlisted are based in Dublin, one in Co Meath, two in Cork and two are from Northern Ireland.
The industry award aims to recognise Irish companies that show flair and entrepreneurs that have demonstrated an ability to grow and develop their business. They have been selected from 125 nominations received by the programme's judging panel chaired by businessman and previous winner, Denis O'Brien.
All of the nominees will also be featured in RTÉ programmes in August and September. The contest is in its eighth year and the winners will be announced at a televised awards ceremony on September 29th.
The judges will select a winner from each of the three categories that also include international firms and emerging businesses. One of the winners will be awarded the "Entrepreneur of the Year" title for 2005.
A 12 member judging panel comprising businessmen and women selects the winners.
Last year's winner, Peter FitzGerald, of Randox Laboratories will be one of the judges. Previous winners include Eddie Jordan, Moya Doherty, Liam Shanahan and Pádraig Ó' Ceidigh.
The Irish Times is the media sponsor of the competition. It is also supported by RTÉ, Enterprise Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland, Intertrade Ireland and Shannon Development.
