The EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards for 2015 are open for nominations. Accountancy firm Ernst & Young began its search for Ireland’s leading entrepreneurs at an event hosted by Minister of State for Finance Simon Harris in Dublin. More than 100 entrepreneurs attended the launch, along with last year’s winner, Mark Roden, founder of telecoms company Ding, and 2013 finalist Caroline Keeling.

The event was held in Iveagh House, headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. “The department, through its embassy network and by working closely with other departments and State agencies, plays a very active role in promoting the growth of Irish exports by supporting Irish companies with access to international markets,” Mr Harris said. “The EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme is important in promoting entrepreneurship on the island of Ireland and I would like to commend EY for their commitment to showcasing the talents of this country’s leading innovators.”

The awarding of the title Entrepreneur of the Year is the culmination of a nine-month development programme for Irish entrepreneurs. The winner then goes on to compete in a global competition.

The awards programme is divided into three categories – emerging, industry and international – with eight finalists chosen per category by an independent panel of judges comprising former winners. The chairwoman of the judging panel this year is CPL chief executive Anne Heraty, who won the title in 2006. The deadline for nominations is March 20th.

The 24 finalists will join a group of 120 entrepreneurs, all previous finalists and winners, for a week-long “chief executive retreat” in Germany. “To sustain the growth of the all-island economy, it is crucial for Ireland’s entrepreneurs to foster global ambitions and reach beyond the Irish and UK markets to sell their products and services,” said Kevin McLoughlin, the EY partner leading the awards programme in Ireland.