THE 2023 EY Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) programme has officially open for nominations, with entrants hoping to follow in the impressive footsteps of Martin McKay.
He is founder and chief executive of Antrim-based Texthelp, who was chosen as overall winner of last year's programme, which is open to entrepreneurs from emerging, established, and international businesses operating across all industry sectors in Ireland.
Nominations will be accepted from now up until March 2, and the theme for this year’s programme is The Art of Entrepreneurship, where judges 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.
Rob Heron, partner lead for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year in Northern 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 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.
“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 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 £20 billion.
Last year's winner Martin McKay said: “Entrepreneurship is a challenging and exciting thing to have in your life. It's not for everybody. This EY programme brings 24 like-minded people together for an incredible year of learning.
“I was hugely honoured to win in 2022 and have made friends for life with an outstanding group of people. I can wholeheartedly recommend this programme and I encourage any entrepreneur considering getting involved to go for it!”
For more details or to complete an online nomination form visit https://www.ey.com/en_ie/entrepreneur-of-the-year
