The search for the most innovative, ambitious and exceptional business leaders on the island of Ireland begins as nominations officially opened on Tuesday (13th) for the 2026 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) programme.
Entrepreneurs from emerging, established and international businesses across every industry are invited to put themselves forward between now and 17th February. Organisers are encouraging anyone who knows a deserving entrepreneur to submit a nomination on their behalf.
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.
Twenty-four finalists will be selected for the 2026 programme. As finalists, they will participate in a 9 month strategic growth programme that includes executive education, networking forums, tailored media profiling, and the annual CEO Retreat, which this year will take place in Toronto, Canada. Finalists will also be welcomed into the EOY alumni community, gaining access to one of the most influential peer networks in Ireland.
ALUMNI COMMUNITY
Now in its 29th year, the EOY programme is a cornerstone of Ireland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The EOY alumni community has grown to more than 680 entrepreneurs, representing some of the island’s most innovative and high performing businesses, who support and empower each other both as friends and entrepreneurial peers through collaboration, mentorship and trade. Together, they employ over 275,000 people and generate more than €28 billion in annual revenues. These figures reflect the economic strength, and the deeper societal impact of entrepreneurship: the jobs created, the communities strengthened and the ideas that continue to transform how we live and work.
This year, the programme’s theme ‘The Entrepreneurs’, recognises those who pair imagination with action, turning ideas into impact and ambition into lasting value. These leaders bring diversity of thought, originality and a relentless drive to create something better.
The 24 finalists will be selected by an independent judging panel comprising of former winners and chaired by Harry Hughes of Portwest.
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.
