The search begins – who will be Australia’s next Entrepreneur Of The Year?
Wednesday 22 February 2012 — The search for outstanding Australian entrepreneurial talent is on again, with nominations now open for the 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® awards.
The only truly global program of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year is considered the world’s most prestigious business award, with entrepreneurs participating from more than 140 cities in over 50 countries.
Oceania Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Leader, Bryan Zekulich, believes it is important to recognise the significant contribution entrepreneurs make to the business community.
“Entrepreneurs find opportunity in adversity and they play a vital role in boosting economies, both locally and globally, by creating jobs, promoting innovation, productivity and supporting communities,” says Zekulich.
“Entrepreneurs are often passionate, calculated risk takers who find opportunities where others see only obstacles. Through the awards, Ernst & Young is helping to celebrate the successes of these unique individuals and inspire the next generation of Australian entrepreneurs.”
More than 1,000 outstanding entrepreneurs have been recognised through the Entrepreneur Of The Year program in Australia since 2001, including last year’s overall winner iiNet founder and CEO, Michael Malone.
Nominees in the program are assessed by an independent panel of expert judges according to six key criteria: entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, personal integrity and influence, financial performance, strategic direction, and national and global impact.
Previous Australian Entrepreneur Of The Year winners have included the entrepreneurial brains behind businesses such as Carsales.com, Atalassian, The Karma Royal Group and Res Med.
Each year the Australian winner goes on to compete at the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year awards in Monte Carlo, providing an opportunity to showcase Australia’s entrepreneurial talent on a global stage.
Past winners of the World Entrepreneur Of The Year award have included the founders of IKEA, Google and Amazon.
Nominations for the 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year are open until 23 March. For more information on the program, or to nominate, go to www.eoy.ey.com.au.
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