Nominations open for 2023 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) programme 2023 is officially open for nominations today. Entrepreneurs from emerging, established, and international businesses operating across all industry sectors across the island of Ireland are invited to submit their nominations between now and 2 March 2023.

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.



Rob Heron, Partner Lead for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ in Northern Ireland said:
“We are very excited to invite entrepreneurs from Northern Ireland to submit their nominations for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2023 programme. 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 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 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 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 £20 billion (€23billion).

Martin McKay, Founder & CEO of Antrim based Texthelp was named International and over all EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland in 2022.

Speaking about his participation in the programme Martin McKay said:
Entrepreneurship is a challenging and exciting thing to have in your life. It is not for everybody.   The EY Entrepreneur of the Year 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!


About the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Ireland programme
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme is open to entrepreneurs from all sectors and growth stages in Northern Ireland and the Republic of 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 also be presented to one of the finalists in recognition of their business’ significant contribution towards achieving and ensuring environmental sustainability.

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


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.  


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.  

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.