The search for the most innovative, ambitious and exceptional business leaders on the island of Ireland begins today as nominations officially open for the 2026 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) programme. Entrepreneurs from emerging, established and international businesses across every industry and every corner of the island are invited to put themselves forward between now and 17 February 2026. We encourage anyone who knows a deserving entrepreneur to submit a nomination on their behalf.
Now in its 29th year, the EOY programme is a cornerstone of the island of Ireland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The EOY alumni community has grown to more than 680 entrepreneurs, representing some of the island’s most innovative and high‑performing businesses, who support and empower each other both as friends and entrepreneurial peers through collaboration, mentorship and trade. Together, they employ over 275,000 people and generate more than €28 billion in annual revenues. These figures reflect the economic strength, and the deeper societal impact of entrepreneurship: the jobs created, the communities strengthened and the ideas that continue to transform how we live and work.
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Rob Heron, Partner Lead for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ in Northern Ireland, commented:
“Entrepreneurs are the driving force of Northern Ireland’s economy. They combine vision with courage, creativity with determination, and in doing so they push our island forward in ways that few other groups can. In a world defined by constant change, new global norms and rising pressures, these leaders remain steady innovators who turn bold ideas into real impact. Across Northern Ireland, we rely on their ambition, and it is more important than ever that we champion, support and celebrate the entrepreneurs shaping tomorrow.”
“Entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of the island’s future, and the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme celebrates that power every year. Today, we invite a new generation of entrepreneurs to submit their nominations and become part of the 2026 cohort.”
William McColgan, Director at McColgans Quality Foods and a 2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist said:
“The EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme was a large part of 2025 for me, and one I would recommend particularly to anyone looking to raise the profile of their company. The coverage our company got through participation in the programme is second to none. The CEO retreat was a highlight of the experience, as have been the other opportunities to spend time with the alumni, which quite aside from the business community recognition is the real value of the programme as far as I am concerned. The network is large, accomplished, and generous with their time and experience. I would encourage any entrepreneurs who may be considering getting involved to go for it!”
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.
Twenty‑four finalists will be selected for the 2026 programme. As finalists, they will participate in a 9‑month strategic growth programme that includes executive education, networking forums, tailored media profiling, and the annual CEO Retreat, which this year will take place in Toronto, Canada. Finalists will also be welcomed into the EOY alumni community, gaining access to one of the most influential peer networks across the island of Ireland.
This year’s programme celebrates the people whose ideas, ambition and resilience are shaping what comes next for Northern Ireland, the leaders whose vision continues to set new standards for Northern Irish entrepreneurship. This year, the programme’s theme “The Entrepreneurs” recognises those who pair imagination with action, turning ideas into impact and ambition into lasting value. These leaders bring diversity of thought, originality and a relentless drive to create something better. Their influence can be felt across industries, communities and global markets, reflecting the depth of talent and the forward momentum that continues to define the entrepreneurial landscape from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
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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 of Portwest. Speaking at the launch, Harry Hughes, CEO of Portwest and Chairperson of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Judging™ Panel said:
“Each year, I am reminded of the extraordinary calibre of across Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland. They challenge convention, find opportunity where others see uncertainty, and build businesses that leave a lasting imprint on their industries and communities. This year’s theme, ‘The Entrepreneurs’, reflects the individuality and creative drive that unite these leaders. As judges, we have the privilege of meeting the entrepreneurs whose ideas, resilience and ambition are actively shaping the future of Ireland and beyond. Their impact reaches far beyond their own companies, and it is an honour to help recognise and celebrate their achievements.”
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Ireland programme is supported by Premium Corporate Sponsor Julius Baer International, and Government sponsor Enterprise Ireland. Invest Northern Ireland is a long-standing supporter of the programme.
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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