Professional services firm EY Australia has opened up nominations for its annual EY Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) national awards to recognise the risk takers, innovators and bold thinkers of Australia’s entrepreneurship scene.
Entries are open until April 17, 2026, with judging criteria taking into account factors like business growth, innovative business models and technology, sustainable practices, enhanced employee experiences and purpose-driven businesses that improve outcomes for communities.
Since its national launch in 2001, EOY has become one of Australia’s leading business awards, celebrating entrepreneurs who are making an impact across diverse industries, generating employment and driving economic and social progress both here and abroad.
Previous winners include the leaders behind some of our most renowned business success stories: Jo Horgan from Mecca, Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar from Atlassian, Ben Thompson from Employment Hero, Dr Andrew Walker and Glenn Keys from Aspen Medical, to name a few.
Last year’s top Entrepreneur Of The Year award went to Laurent Boillon, the driving force behind market-leading bread manufacturer Laurent Bakery.
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WATCH: Laurent Boillon, Entrepreneur Of The Year (post continues after video)
“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,” says Colin McNeil, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program leader.
National finalists will be announced throughout June. Between June and August, finalists will participate in coaching sessions to prepare and refine their final submission.
During this period, each finalist will also spend a day collaborating with a professional photo and videography team to create a campaign to showcase their business and entrepreneurial journey with the world. See the 2025 finalists’ videos here.
Winners across the Emerging, Industry, Consumer, Social Impact and Technology categories and the overall national winner will be determined in October.
The program culminates in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Australia national awards on October 22 where winners will be formally announced at a black-tie gala event among peers, industry leaders and alumni.
The overall winner will go on to represent Australia in Monaco in 2027 at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards™, the ultimate global competition against national winners from more than 60 countries.
All finalists in the EOY program get the chance to connect with the country’s leading entrepreneurs, business leaders and financiers. To help further support and grow their businesses, finalists will receive ongoing access to tailored business mentorship, EY 7 Drivers of Growth workshop sessions and exclusive Q&As.
Finalists will join more than 1700 Australian entrepreneurs who are part of the global network of the EOY program.
Apply now for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year awards here.
Startup Daily is the media partner for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program.
View all the videos and articles from last year’s awards here:
