Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Australia

Honouring and seeking the ambitious entrepreneurs building a better world for all.

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Australia

Celebrating and recognising Australian entrepreneurs.

About the program

From creating disruptive technologies and transforming consumer journeys, to building new communities and driving positive social change, there’s no limit to the creativity of entrepreneurs — and the stories we want to share. Launched here in 2001 the program has grown in profile each year and is now recognised as a leading business award in Australia, consistent with its global status.

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program shines a spotlight on entrepreneurs across Australia who master the artful balance of passion, determination, character, and skill to create businesses that address the most complex challenges and build a better working world. By joining the program, you’ll have the opportunity to celebrate success with your team, inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and gain access to an exclusive global network of program participants that help to build connections, fuel success and navigate long-term growth.

If you or someone you know is turning ground-breaking ideas into innovative businesses, we want to help celebrate that success today.

At EY, we support entrepreneurship for all — not just today, not just tomorrow, but for the next century and beyond. The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program recognises and celebrates the spirit and contribution of exceptional entrepreneurs. These are the individuals who see things beyond the horizon and help shape the future. By challenging orthodox methods and creating new markets for goods and services, entrepreneurs positively disrupt the way we do business and help enhance our quality of life.

22

years of supporting entrepreneurs in Australia

1.7k

business leaders in the Australian EOY alumni network

1

Australian Winner announced in October 2024

Entrepreneurs forge new paths, ignite change, and light the way toward a better world. Their stories help all of us see the world not as it is, but for what it could be, and that is the true artistry of entrepreneurship.
Russell Phillips
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Leader
  • Benefits of participation

    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
  • Key Dates

    • May 2024 - Nomination open
    • 30 June 2024 - Nomination close
    • July 2024 – National finalists announcements and alumni events
    • 23 October 2024 – National finalist judging day
    • 24 October 2024 – Entrepreneur Of The Year™ National Awards
    • 3-6 June 2025 – World Entrepreneur Of The Year™
  • Eligibility

    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.

Highlights from the 2024 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards Ceremony

Highlights from the 2024 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards Ceremony

  • Meet the 2024 National finalists

    EY Entrepreneur Of The Year recognises ambitious leaders who are driven by a relentless urge to create; bringing their bold vision of a better, brighter world to life, creating a world of possibility.

    Read more about the finalists here

    Emerging Category

    • Shaun Williamson from Energy LogistiX Pyt Ltd
    • Rachel Brimblecombe from Better Rehab
    • Rebecca Jefferd and Ava Chandler-Matthews from Ultra Violette
    • Andrew Holder from Revo Fitness

    Industry Category

    • Frank Mitolo from Mitolo Family Farms
    • Gary Smith from BioPak
    • Mike Tristram from Trisco Foods
    • Lynley Papineau from Aquatic Leisure Technologies

    Services Category

    • James Lancaster from Renew IT
    • Lloyd Ernst from Cloudstaff
    • Paul Yeomans from PMY Group
    • Tony Routledge from AVI

    Technology Category

    • Patrick Power from PowerHealth
    • Marc Washbourne from ReadyTech
    • Chris Cook from LAB3
    • Tim Levy from Qoria Limited
       
  • Meet the 2024 Social Impact awardees

    These incredible entrepreneurs are helping the less fortunate and changing the fabric of society. Their journey and passion is truly remarkable. They are making this world a better place.

    Read more about our awardees here

    Social Impact Award Recipients (non-competitive)

    • Stephanie Malan from The Village Co.
    • Shaun Christie-David from Plate It Forward
    • Yas Grigaliunas from Circonomy
    • Simon Griffiths from Who Gives A Crap
    • Renzo Petersen from Natraplas
       
  • Meet the Judges

    The unstoppable EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ finalists are assessed by an independent panel of judges, most of whom have previously participated in EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Australia program.

    Read more here
     
    • Chair of Judges - Linda Brown of Torrens University
    • Ben Gray of BGH Capital
    • Naomi Simson of RedBalloon
    • Dr. Sam Prince of Prince Group
    • Téa Angelos of Smart Women Society

Sponsors

Major sponsor

Founded in regional Queensland in 1920 – as Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services – Qantas has played a central role in the development of the Australian and international aviation industry. Today the Qantas Group is a diverse global aviation business, comprising Qantas Domestic, Qantas International, the Jetstar low-cost carrier group and Qantas Loyalty.

Sponsor

As part of one of the world's largest financial services companies with a presence in nearly 100 countries, Citi Australia has been providing financial services to Australian corporations, institutions, and governments for nearly a century.

Recognised for our innovative range of global products and services, today we count more than one thousand local corporate and institutions as valued clients. Citi Australia provides a comprehensive range of services including banking, capital markets and advisory, markets and securities services, treasury and trade solutions, and the commercial bank.

Contact us

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