Roger Wallace, Partner Lead, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY); Anne Heraty, Chairperson EOY Judging panel; Martin McKay, Founder & CEO Texthelp & EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland 2022 and Eimear McCrann, EOY Lead, Ireland. They are pictured here with work by Taffina Flood, More, or less, is More, now showing at the RHA Gallery, Dublin.

Are you one of Cork’s best entrepreneurs?

It’s back and it’s time to get your nominations in! The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) programme 2023 is now officially open for nominations. Entrepreneurs from emerging, established, and international businesses operating across all industry sectors are invited to submit their nominations between now and 2 March.

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.

Denise Tormey from PlanNet2, EOY alumni said: “The EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme is a positive and rewarding experience that offers so many benefits to participating entrepreneurs. The alumni is a community of leading CEOs that would be very difficult to replicate.

“As well as engaging in peer-to-peer networking, they share insightful experiences within a circle of trust. I can wholeheartedly recommend this programme and I encourage other entrepreneurs based in Cork who may be considering getting involved to go for it!”

Roger Wallace, Partner Lead for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland said: “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 EOY exists to celebrate and inspire talented and brave entrepreneurs who seize the opportunity to do things differently and achieve great success in the process.

“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.”

The EOY 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 €23 billion.

About the EOY programme

The 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 be presented to one of the finalists in recognition of their business’ significant contribution towards achieving and ensuring environmental sustainability.

EOY judging panel

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

Anne Heraty, CEO of CPL Resources plc and Chairperson of the EOY 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.”

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.