EY Australia marks 25^th anniversary of Entrepreneur Of The Year™ program with announcement of national finalists

EY Australia is proud to announce the national finalists for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) award, as the program celebrates 25 years of supporting Australian entrepreneurship. The EOY program has been a cornerstone in recognising and celebrating the achievements of Australia’s exceptional entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to their industries and communities.

This year’s national finalists represent a diverse array of industries and sectors, showcasing the breadth and depth of entrepreneurial talent across Australia. The finalists have demonstrated outstanding innovation, leadership, and resilience, making them exemplary role models for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Australian national finalists are:

Emerging Category:

• Tyson Gundersen, Bureau Booths
• Steve Dresler, What Ability
• David McGiveron and Bianca Tarrant, Our Cow
• Sam Gordon, Australian Property Scout

Industry Category:

• Alex Babich and Dani Atkins, Kulani Kinis
• Grahame Aston, PPC Moulding Services
• Jason Daniel, LSKD
• Laurent Boillon, Laurent Bakery
• Ruby Wang, Nudie Glow
• Grant Johnston, Westview Group

Services Category:

• Kuba Kabacinski, Consunet
• Stella Petrou Concha, Reo Group & HiveQ
• Chris Behrenbruch, Telix Pharmaceuticals
• Matthew Rear, PPS Water Group

Technology Category:

• Anthony Baum, Tiimely
• Ben Thompson, Employment Hero
• Edward Alder, Pay.com.au
• Paul Anderson, Orthocell

Social Impact:

• Tim Jarvis AM, The ForkTree Project
• Deborah Thomas, Camp Quality
• Ashley van de Velde, LifeFlight
• Jason Trethowan, headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation

Colin McNeil, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Australia Program Leader, said, "Celebrating 25 years of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ program is a testament to the incredible entrepreneurial spirit we have in Australia and demonstrates EY Australia’s unwavering commitment to support entrepreneurs over last quarter century.

“This year’s national finalists have demonstrated remarkable innovation and resilience, and we’re proud to recognise their achievements. Representing a true cross section of the Australian business ecosystem, they are the driving force behind the country’s economic growth and future prosperity.”

Selina Short, EY Regional Markets Leader, Oceania, added, "The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ program highlights the success of individual entrepreneurs, but more importantly it also underscores the criticality of entrepreneurship in driving economic and social prosperity. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are reminded of the transformative impact that these leaders have on their communities and the Australian economy as a whole."

The national finalists will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges, who will score the finalists based on a set of criteria that includes entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and impact. The winners will be announced at a gala event in Sydney on 15 October 2025.

-ENDS-

Media Contact: 

Michael Reilly
Michael.Reilly1@au.ey.com
+61 432 132 190

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™  

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) is a unique global program that supports entrepreneurs as they unlock their ambitions. Established in 1986, this flagship program operates across more than 60 countries and jurisdictions and boasts a global ecosystem of over 30,000 distinguished entrepreneurs. In 2025, EOY Australia celebrates 25 years of uplifting Australian entrepreneurship.

Program participants benefit from lifelong connections, learning resources and insights to help navigate their growth journey, and opportunities to raise the profile of their companies. Each program concludes with a competition and announcement of a winner who goes on to represent their country or region in the ultimate global competition and event for entrepreneurs: EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™. ey.com/eoy.   

About EY

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets. 

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fuelled by sector insights, a globally connected, multidisciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories. 

All in to shape the future with confidence. 

EY refers to the global organisation and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organisation, please visit ey.com. 

© 2025 Ernst & Young, Australia. All Rights Reserved.