EY Entrepreneur Of The Year recognises unstoppable entrepreneurial achievement among individuals and companies that demonstrate vision, leadership and success.

By participating in the program, entrepreneurs can connect with their peers and business leaders, access cutting edge technology and relevant insights to help navigate their growth journey, share their stories and raise the profile of their companies and teams.

Each year, the program culminates in the announcement of an overall winner who then competes for the prestigious EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ award.

Receiving recognition as an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year finalist delivers an enormous range of benefits, including:

• Sharing your business story and building your company’s profile in Australia and internationally
• Opening doors and developing new business opportunities with business leaders and financiers
• Opportunities to hear from and connect with other entrepreneurs from around the world, including EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ winners through global Q&A sessions
• Access to insights and support to grow your business, including business mentoring and EY Seven Drivers sessions
• Generating pride and morale within your organisation
• Becoming part of an exclusive entrepreneurial alumni community

Please note that nominations are open all year round. The website will be updated with specific information when it becomes available regarding: when nominations are being reviewed and the awards event is being held. 

Key Dates: 

• January 2026 - Nominations open
• 17 April 2026 - Nominations close
• 25-29 - World Entrepreneur Of The Year
• June 2026 - National finalists announcements and alumni events
• 21 October 2026 - National finalist judging day
• 22 October 2026 - Entrepreneur Of the Year National Awards

To be eligible for the program, an entrepreneur must:

• Be a company founder, owner or manager of a private or public company or organisation who is primarily responsible for the recent performance of the company or organisation, and an active member of senior management
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Have a company that has been in existence for at least two years at close of applications

Previous category winners, finalists and entrants may resubmit to be considered for the current EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program.

• Phone: (02) 8295 6949
• Fax: (02) 8295 6949
• Email: nicole.sitosta@au.ey.com