The EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 programme opens for nominations today, kicking off this year’s nationwide search for Ireland’s leading entrepreneurs.
The theme of this year’s programme centres on “creating your business legacy” and is open to entrepreneurs from all sectors. Entries are open until February 29th and the 24 finalists will be announced in April.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton said start-ups created two-thirds of all new jobs and the EY awards were about “celebrating and recognising the great successes of the amazing entrepreneurs we already have in Ireland”.
The programme, which now operates in more than 60 countries, has evolved in Ireland over the past 18 years into a 10-month development programme for leading entrepreneurs.
Kevin McLaughlin, EY’s leader partner for the programme, said a recent programme survey indicated that one of the main challenges facing entrepreneurs was growing their business. He said this influenced the theme of the 2016 programme, which will focus on what resources are needed to grow successfully.
The programme is open to entrepreneurs across all sectors and growth stages, from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The awards programme is divided into three categories – Emerging, Industry and International – with eight finalists chosen in each. The 24 finalists will be selected by an independent panel of judges, including former winners and chaired by Anne Heraty of Cpl Resources.
Individuals who wish to put themselves forward or nominate an entrepreneur with their consent, can fill out the online nomination form at www.eoy.ie or call the EY Entrepreneur of the Year team for further information on 01-221 2250. The deadline for nominations is February 29th, 2016.
Last year finalists from eight different sectors competed for the title, with online payments company Stripe emerging as the overall winner. Meat production company Dunbia took top prize in the Industry category, while mobile marketing and engagement specialists Brandtone won top prize in the Emerging category.
As part of the programme, this year’s 24 finalists will join a group of 120 entrepreneurs, all previous finalists and winners of EY Entrepreneur of the Year, for a week-long CEO Retreat to Boston in the summer.
The intensive week will include an executive education series in major US universities, as well as workshops with the chief executives from Boston’s successful start-ups and globally renowned indigenous companies.
