Calling all Offaly entrepreneurs: Nominations open for 2023 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme

The EY  Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) programme 2023 is officially open for nominations. Entrepreneurs from emerging, established, and international businesses operating across all industry sectors in Offaly are invited to submit their nominations between now and  2 March  2023.

The theme for this year’s programme is  The Art of Entrepreneurship.  This year EY will recognise and celebrate entrepreneurs who apply their unique vision and skill to create and build businesses that leave a valuable and lasting impact on the local communities and the economies in which they operate.

Gerard Cleary from Killeigh based Glenisk, EOY Alumni  said:“The EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme is a positive and rewarding experience that offers so many benefits to participating entrepreneurs. I learned so much from the programme and forged friendships and connections with inspirational entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries. The alumni network continues to be an invaluable support group to me today and their collective experience and business expertise is second to none.  It was whilst travelling to Seattle & Vancouver a number of years back with the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Group, that the inspiration gleaned from the discussions we were experiencing on a daily basis, that I came across the idea, Glenisk Protein Yogurt, that became a €10million line extension for Glenisk.  I can wholeheartedly recommend this programme and I encourage other entrepreneurs based in  Offaly  who may be considering getting involved to go for it!”

Roger Wallace,  Partner Lead for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Ireland  said:    “We are very excited to invite entrepreneurs from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to submit their nominations for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2023 programme. Over the past 26 years this programme has gone from strength to strength and has become an important part of our entrepreneurial ecosystem.  The impact of our indigenous business sector, both locally and globally, is hugely significant. The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Programme™ exists to celebrate and inspire talented and brave entrepreneurs who seize the opportunity to do things differently and achieve great success in the process.

At EY we are proud to support entrepreneurs who are actively seeking to take their businesses to the next level. Over the years, we’ve had applications from a diverse range of sectors including tech, life sciences, food, construction, retail, manufacturing and more. We are keen to receive nominations, across industries, age groups, gender, location, and background. In addition, to being part of our exciting awards programme, the selected finalists will join our illustrious alumni – a truly unique group of leading entrepreneurs who continuously support and drive each other to ever greater heights.”

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ alumni community comprises over 580 entrepreneurs representing some of the greatest business minds across the island of Ireland. Collectively  these businesses employ more than 200,000 people and generate revenues in excess of €23billion.

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.

Roger added,  “The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Sustainability award recognises entrepreneurs who are making a genuine difference in the critical area of environmental sustainability. This award celebrates those business leaders who are taking an innovative approach to provide sustainable solutions to today’s important environmental challenges and ultimately to protect the future of our planet for future generations.”

The 24 finalists will be selected by an independent judging panel, comprising former winners, and chaired by Anne Heraty of CPL Resources plc.   

Speaking at the launch,  Anne Heraty, CEO of CPL Resources plc and Chairperson of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Judging™ Panel  said:“While the business environment remains challenging, entrepreneurs have been relentless in their pursuit of excellence. They remain as committed as ever to playing their part in strengthening and supporting the resilience of our communities and economies in an uncertain climate. We know there are many more brilliant and creative entrepreneurs who are achieving incredible success in their sectors.  I encourage these entrepreneurs to take the opportunity to submit their nominations for this year’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme. Having been involved with the programme for over 17 years I know first-hand the value of being part of it.”

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.