2011 Program Overview
Preliminary process - nominations and interviews
Applications
5 April - 8 July 2011
All entrants in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year program submit a registration of interest form to compete in the 2011 awards. Entrepreneurs that meet the entry criteria are then asked to complete an application form detailing company financials, key achievements, a business timeline and a longer synopsis on company strategy, goals and corporate vision.
Each applicant is then interviewed by Ernst & Young and the application forms are reviewed before the 2011 finalists are announced.
Finalist announcement cocktail event
4 August 2011
Applicants are invited to regional cocktail events announcing the 2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists. The names of the 2011 finalists are released to the media.
Independent judging processStage one
Finalists judging
15 August 2011
The finalists spend a day in the Auckland Ernst & Young office where they meet the independent judging panel for the first time. A 15 minute interview is held with each finalist. A photography and filming session will also be held over the judging day.
Finalists networking dinner
15 August 2011
Following the judging all finalists are invited to a formal networking dinner where they will be given the opportunity to meet and network with past winners, judges and entrants in the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards.
Finalists workshop at Villa Maria
16 August 2011
A workshop featuring valuable presentations and networking opportunities with other Entrepreneur Of The Year award entrants.
Category winners announced
19 August 2011
The five category winners for 2011 are announced and released to media.
Stage two
Category winners judging day
22 September 2011
The independent judging panel meet each category winner for a one hour interview held at Ernst & Young Auckland. Following these interviews, the judges will decide on the New Zealand Entrepreneur Of The Year overall winner.
Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards banquet
22 September 2011
The overall winner of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award is revealed as finalists and category winners are acknowledged and celebrated at a prestigious black tie awards banquet held at The Langham Hotel in Auckland.
