The EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 programme has opened for nominations for entrepreneurs from emerging, established, and international businesses operating across all industry sectors across the island of Ireland.

EY will seek to recognise and celebrate entrepreneurs who "apply their unique vision and skill to create and build businesses that leave a valuable and lasting impact" on their communities and economies.

The theme for this year's programme is 'The Art of Entrepreneurship,' and the deadline for nominations is 2 March.

"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," said Roger Wallace, partner lead of EY Entrepeneur of the Year Ireland.

"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.

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"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 awards programme is divided into emerging, established and international categories, with eight finalists chosen per category, and the competition is open to entrepreneurs from all sectors and growth stages.

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.

“The EY Entrepreneur of the Year Sustainability award recognises entrepreneurs who are making a genuine difference in the critical area of environmental sustainability," Wallace added.

"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, who said entrepreneurs have been relentless in their pursuit of excellence despite the challenging business environment.

"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," she continued.

"We know there are many more brilliant and creative Irish 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.  

The programme's alumni community comprises over 580 entrepreneurs, whose businesses employ more than 200,000 people and generate revenues in excess of €23bn.

Martin McKay of Texthelp was named the International and overall 2022 EY Entrepreneur of the Year in November.

Photo: (l-r) Roger Wallace, Anne Heraty, Martin McKay, and Eimear McCrann, EY Entrepreneur of the Year Lead, Ireland. (Pic: EY Ireland)