Donegal hopefuls urged to enter 2024 EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme

The 2024 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme is officially open for nominations and a Donegal man is urging hopefuls to put their name in the hat.

Entrepreneurs from emerging, established, and international businesses operating across all industry sectors in Donegal are invited to submit their nominations between now and February 29.

The theme for this year’s programme is The Trailblazers. Entrepreneurial trailblazers are true leaders with the courage and capacity to plot and follow their own path, pushing conventional boundaries and limits.

Through their exploration of new technologies, sciences, applications and markets, Ireland’s entrepreneurs provide innovative answers and solutions to many of today’s greatest challenges. They are often pioneers within their respective industries both in Ireland and across global markets. They forge their own unique trail to enable their companies, people, and the wider economy to reach new heights and aspirations.

“The EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme is such a positive and rewarding experience that offers so many benefits to participating entrepreneurs,” EOY Alumni, Michael McKinney, Managing Director, Inishowen Engineering, said.

“I learned so much from the programme and forged friendships and connections with inspirational entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries. The alumni network continues to be an invaluable support group to me today and their collective experience and business expertise is second to none. I can wholeheartedly recommend this programme and I encourage any entrepreneurs based in Donegal who may be considering getting involved to go for it!”

“We are very excited to invite entrepreneurs from across Ireland to submit their nominations for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 programme,” Roger Wallace, Partner Lead for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland, said. “Now in its 27th year, the programme exists to acclaim, drive, and inspire entrepreneurship across our island. This year we are celebrating the trailblazing entrepreneurs who are spearheading incredible businesses that are contributing to the growth of Ireland’s economy and local communities. Irish entrepreneurs continue to have a disproportionate global impact, reflecting an international scaling mindset and innate capacity to grow and succeed across borders and cultures.

“One of the greatest strengths of Ireland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is its diverse composition. For this reason, we are actively seeking and encouraging nominations from entrepreneurs of all ages and from all industries and locations.

“Twenty-four finalists will be selected for this year’s programme. As finalists they will participate in an exciting strategic growth programme over a 10-month period, including a week-long CEO Retreat to South Africa. They will also be welcomed into our acclaimed alumni community where they will have the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by many of Ireland’s leading entrepreneurs who remain the heartbeat of the programme.”

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni community comprises more than 600 entrepreneurs representing some of the greatest business minds across the island of Ireland. Collectively these businesses employ more than 250,000 people and generate revenues in excess of €23billion.

The programme is open to entrepreneurs from all sectors and growth stages in the Republic of Ireland and Northern 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.

The 24 finalists will be selected by an independent judging panel, comprising former winners, and chaired by Harry Hughes CEO of Portwest, who takes over the role from Anne Heraty CEO 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 here. Those nominating someone else must do so with the entrepreneur’s consent.