Following a hugely successful nationwide launch campaign, Ernst & Young is making its final call for nominations to the 2013 Entrepreneur of The Year programme.
For more than 15 years, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year programme has been supporting entrepreneurs across the island of Ireland to develop their businesses by becoming part of a unique and unrivalled community.
Speaking recently at the western regional launch of these prestigious business awards, Frank O’Keeffe, Ernst & Young’s partner-in-charge of the programme, stressed the importance of such global recognition programmes and reinforced the fact that, even in these challenging economic times, it is Ireland’s entrepreneurs who continue to build scale, compete globally, and create significant jobs throughout the island.
“This year, we want entrepreneurs from across County Mayo and beyond to truly test their horizons. Even in these most challenging times, entrepreneurs are constantly looking for opportunities to grow through innovation and technology, and it is their unparalleled vision and capacity to adapt to the ever-changing global business environment that continues to drive economic recovery, create jobs for the region, and boost investor and consumer confidence.”
He continued: “As we begin our 2013 search for Mayo’s most innovative entrepreneurs, we encourage you to nominate yourself, or entrepreneurs you know, to the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year programme and become a part of this unique entrepreneurial community. Participation will give you unparalleled insights and opportunities to grow your business and enter new global markets.
“Following the announcement of our 24 finalists from across the island in early May 2013, the journey of those shortlisted will take them from our CEO retreat to Chicago and New York to the televised Entrepreneur of The Year gala awards night next October. The overall winner of the 2013 award will also go forward to represent Ireland at the World Entrepreneur of The Year finals, where he or she will compete with over 55 country winners for this prestigious global title.”
Entries for the 2013 Entrepreneur of The Year can be made in any one of three categories - Emerging, Industry, and International.
A panel of judges, chaired by Padraig O’Ceidigh, chairman Aer Arann and recipient of the award in 2002, will select the shortlist, to be announced in May.
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year programme is supported by The Irish Times, RTÉ, Enterprise Ireland, Invest NI, Intertrade Ireland, and Newstalk.
Entry forms are available on www.eoy.tv, by phoning Ernst & Young on 01 221 2250, or by sending an email to [email protected]
The closing date for nominations is March 31.
