Ernst & Young, Australia (EY Australia) has announced the successful entrepreneurs from across the country in the running to be EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2024 Australia.
Russell Phillips, Partner of EY Australia and Entrepreneur Of The Year Australian Program Leader, said this year’s 16 national finalists bring together a diverse mix of passionate entrepreneurs from across Australia.
“Once again we have been inspired by some outstanding entries from entrepreneurs who have relentlessly pursed their vision for a better, brighter world – from producing sustainable alternatives to single-use packaging, to using technology to transform the way people interact with public places and major events.”
This year, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is showcasing the art of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs are driven by an unrelenting urge to create. They bring their bold vision to life with persistence, and an artist’s eye for the original.
“Together, our finalists are a testament to Australia’s entrepreneurial spirit. They combine vision and innovation with action, turning an idea into a successful business – their own work of art,” said Mr Phillips.
EY has long recognised the potential of entrepreneurs. Since 2001, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program has recognised ambitious leaders who build and sustain successful, dynamic businesses that leave a lasting positive impact in the communities in which they operate.
In Australia, there are over 1,700 entrepreneurs in the Entrepreneur Of The Year Alumni community.
“Supporting and celebrating entrepreneurs is deeply embedded in our values and our purpose at EY to build a better working world,” Mr Phillips said.
This year, the program celebrates finalists selected by a group of highly respected judges, chaired by Linda Brown from Torrens University Australia (former Australian Entrepreneur Of The Year Winner in 2021). Finalists will be judged on their demonstration of entrepreneurial spirit, national and global impact, strategic direction and purpose. There is also a non-competitive category, Social Impact Award, which recognises entrepreneurs who, through innovation, solve some of society’s toughest challenges to help build a better working world.
Chair Linda Brown said:
“EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is much more than an awards program. The opportunity to celebrate Australia’s best and brightest, and the incredible and lasting impact they create for communities right across Australia, inspires and encourages others to follow their own vision. Entrepreneurship drives innovation.
“For participants and finalists like me, it sets you on a lifelong journey with a network of like-minded leaders, helping to inspire Australia’s next generation of entrepreneurs.”
The winner of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Australia will be announced in Sydney in March. The Australian winner of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year will represent Australia at EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year in Monaco in June.
Australian finalists are:
