The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 programme officially opens today for nominations. The theme of this year’s programme is “Leading through Change” and all sectors and businesses of all sizes are invited to submit their nominations up until the 22 February. The 24 finalists for 2017 will be announced on 27 April.
This is the 20th year of the programme which operates in more than 60 countries worldwide. The awards programme is divided into three categories - Emerging, Industry and International - with 8 finalists chosen per category. The 24 finalists will be selected by an independent panel of judges, comprised of former EOY winners and chaired by Anne Heraty of CPL Resources plc.
The finalists will engage in a strategic growth programme over a 10 month period which includes a week-long CEO Retreat to San Francisco. As part of this international retreat, this year’s 24 finalists will join a group of over 120 entrepreneurs, all previous finalists and winners of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme where they will meet CEOs and entrepreneurs from some of the world’s biggest multinational companies.
Entrepreneurs will also gain exclusive access to a prestigious community of over 450 peers known as the EOY Alumni. To date, 55% of our EOY community have conducted business with one another - demonstrating the advantage of being part of this supportive and prolific professional network.
The programme will also include executive education sessions, a peer-to-peer mentoring forum ‘Entrepreneurs Anonymous’ and filming for our TV series and annual Gala Awards Dinner, profile in the Irish Times and Newstalk. An award is presented for each category, and an overall winner is announced as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in October. That person will go on to represent Ireland at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year awards in Monte Carlo in June
Partner at EY, Kevin McLoughlin said, "I am delighted to launch the 2017 EOY programme, which I am incredibly proud to say is in its 20th year. The benefits of participation extend far beyond winning the award in October. The successful finalists will gain national and international exposure, gaining media profile across TV, radio, print and online."
He added, "They will also connect with our exclusive network of over 450 of Ireland’s top entrepreneurs and get an opportunity to go on our renowned international CEO Retreat which is designed to help Irish entrepreneurs transform their thinking and vision through executive education and hearing from some of the world’s leading CEOs."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
