Ernst &Young >About us>How the Programme Works - Ernst & Young - New Zealand

As the first and only truly global award of its kind, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates entrepreneurs who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic business, recognising them through regional, national and global award programmes in over 140 cities in more than 50 countries. First established in the United States in 1986, the international recognition of the award positions recipients as world-class entrepreneurs, and provides a benchmark for entrepreneurial excellence. Winners are much admired leaders in their industries and important role models.

The New Zealand Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards programme, launched in 1997, is now in its 15th year. The programme honours entrepreneurs whose ingenuity and perseverance have created and sustained successful, growing business ventures. Entrepreneur Of The Year’s primary objective is to identify, acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding contribution entrepreneurs make to the New Zealand business community and economy.

This page provides an overview of the New Zealand programme, 2012 award categories, judging criteria, entrant eligibility and the benefits of entering the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards.

Who will be New Zealand's 2012 Entrepreneur Of The Year?

Hear what Tim Alpe, CEO of JUCY has to say about his experience.

 

New Zealand programme overview

The New Zealand Entrepreneur Of The Year awards programme is run over a 7 month period, during which registrations of interest are sought from across the country in 5 award categories. From the registrations of interest, entrepreneurs are invited to complete a formal application process and enter into the awards programme.

In 2012 there will be 5 award categories, the winners of each of these award categories is determined by an independent judging panel comprised of respected leaders in the field of business.

The five category winners then go on to compete for Entrepreneur Of The Year, the overall winner being announced at the Awards banquet on the 18 October at the Langham Hotel in Auckland.

The New Zealand Entrepreneur Of The Year goes on to represent New Zealand at the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in Monte Carlo.

The 2012 award categories

Just as there are many different skills and characteristics that make up an entrepreneur, there are five Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award categories that have been established to recognise New Zealand’s best entrepreneurs.

Judging criteria

The independent judging panel considers each entrepreneur finalist against the following criteria, developed and used globally in country Entrepreneur Of The Year programmes as well as Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year.

Entrepreneurial spirit

• Setting high standards for self and business and demonstrating a desire to be successful
• Taking risks in the face of uncer tainty and overcoming significant obstacles
• Demonstrating perseverance and learning from the experience
• Capacity to be an independent thinker

Financial performance

• Strength of financial performance and track record in raising equity and debt finance
• Quality of past investments
• Strategies for managing cash flow and ensuring long term sustainability
• Growth in financial results and reinvestment of profit

Strategic direction

• Creates and turns visions into business realities
• Developing a vision and setting goals for future growth and expansion
• Building an effective team (e.g. staff, directors, advisors) committed to common goals and builds strategic alliances
• Measuring and benchmarking progress against goals

National/Global Impact

• Achieving substantial market share
• Extent of expansion into national and international markets
• Extent of impact in terms of job creation and improved living economics
• Alternatively, plans enable growth and increased impact

Innovation

• Pioneering new approaches or technologies
• Ability to adapt and develop products/services ahead of the market
• Building a culture of innovation and investing in research and development

Personal Integrity/Influence

• Personal values and approach to relationships with staff, clients, suppliers, and colleagues, earning great respect
• Experience as a role model, mentor and/or advisor to others
• Personal involvement in the wider community

Entrant eligibility

Benefits of entering

Receiving an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award is more than a night of acclaim at an awards ceremony, or a trophy to display in a cabinet. The programme is about delivering value to all entrants and celebrating their achievements. Throughout the duration of the programme – from initial entry to final announcement – Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year provides unrivalled opportunities for participants. These include local, national and international networking opportunities; media exposure; public relations; a boost to employee morale; and enhanced standing with customers and the business community.

The winner of the Entrepreneur Of The Year will receive a business class trip for two to represent New Zealand at the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year award to be held in Monte Carlo in 2013. At this event all of the country winners are honoured with the independent judging panel selecting one as the 2012 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year.