The 2025 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) programme is officially open for nominations today, with entrepreneurs from emerging, established and international businesses across all industry sectors from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland invited to submit their nominations between now and 27 February.
This year, the programme celebrates entrepreneurs from across the island of Ireland whose vision and innovation are creating long-term value and helping to shape the future with confidence. Business leaders that have the tenacity and determination to push conventional boundaries, think differently and create new solutions that change our collective future for the better are being encouraged to apply.
Rob Heron, Partner Lead for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year in Northern Ireland said: “We are very excited to invite entrepreneurs from across Northern Ireland to submit their nominations for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 programme. Now in its 28th year, the purpose of the programme is to acclaim, inspire and encourage entrepreneurship across the island of Ireland.
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“Geopolitics, technology and environmental concerns are redefining our world. Northern Irish entrepreneurs are leaning into the uncertainty that the modern-day business world presents and are identifying and realising opportunities for growth and innovation. Through their ingenuity, resilience and vision, Northern Irish entrepreneurs are future proofing the prosperity of our island and our people. They are shaping their future and the future of our island with confidence.
“Over the almost three decades that we have been running this programme, we have seen first-hand just how impressively diverse the entrepreneurial community is in Northern Ireland, and we are actively seeking and encouraging nominations from entrepreneurs of all ages and from all industries and locations.
“There will be 24 finalists selected to take part in this year’s programme, who will participate in an exciting strategic growth programme over a 10-month period, including a week-long CEO Retreat to Tokyo, Japan. The finalists will also be welcomed into our acclaimed alumni community of more than 600 of the island of Ireland’s greatest and most successful entrepreneurs, where they will have the opportunity to forge valuable connections, learn from each other and in many cases do business together.”
About the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme is open to entrepreneurs from all sectors and growth stages in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The awards programme is divided into three categories - Emerging, Established and International - with eight finalists chosen per category.
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Sustainability Award will also be presented to one of the finalists in recognition of their business’ significant contribution towards achieving and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Rob Heron added: “The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Sustainability Award recognises entrepreneurs that are providing sustainable solutions to today’s most important environmental challenges. This award shines a light on the business leaders that are developing and executing innovative ideas that will help protect our planet for future generations.”
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ alumni community comprises more than 600 entrepreneurs representing some of the greatest business minds across the island of Ireland. Collectively these businesses employ more than 250,000 people and generate revenues in excess of €25 billion.
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EOY Judging Panel
The 24 finalists will be selected by an independent judging panel comprising of former winners and chaired by Harry Hughes, CEO of Portwest. Speaking at the launch, Harry Hughes, CEO of Portwest and Chairperson of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Judging Panel said:
“The island of Ireland has an incredible pool of innovative entrepreneurs who are leading businesses that are achieving significant national and global success. Despite the challenges that face any entrepreneur they show relentless determination and resilience in their pursuit of excellence, continuing to create jobs, strengthen communities and bolster economies. We want these brilliant entrepreneurs across all sectors to submit their nominations for this year’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme. As an alumni of the programme I can attest to its incredible value and I’m looking forward to welcoming the next generation of inspiring leaders from across the island to the programme."
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland programme is supported by Premium Corporate Sponsor Julius Baer International, and Government sponsors Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland.
Anyone interested can find out more or complete an online nomination form at www.eoy.ie. Those nominating someone else must do so with the entrepreneur’s consent.
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