Programme recognises entrepreneurial achievement among individuals and companies that demonstrate vision, leadership, and success.
The EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 is an all-island development programme that supports, advises and connects a community of entrepreneurs, championing entrepreneurship throughout the island of Ireland. The programme offers national and international recognition for successful finalists and alumni, and also provides invaluable network and business development opportunities within a supportive community with over 680+ members.
Eligibility criteria
- Nominees must own a minimum of 5% of the company (publicly listed companies will be assessed on a case-by-case basis).
- Nominees must be primarily responsible for the recent performance of the company.
- Nominees must either be Irish or running a company based on the island of Ireland.
- Turnover in excess of €1 million or £1 million.
- The nominee’s company must be trading for a minimum of two years (companies with a long R&D process pre-commencement of trading, early-stage life sciences and technology companies and companies that have received significant investment are dealt with on a case-by-case basis).
- If nominees have previously applied and not been shortlisted to the final 24, the judging panel welcomes and encourages them to apply multiple times. Some previous finalists and even winners have successfully been invited into the programme after multiple applications.
Who can nominate?
Anyone, including employees, company advisors and financiers, can nominate a successful entrepreneur, with the entrepreneur’s consent. Nominations can also come from the entrepreneurs themselves.
Enter the awards or nominate someone
The deadline for nominations is Tuesday 17 February 2026.
Read full details on the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2026.
First published 26 January 2026