A quarter-century of support. Billions in economic impact.

• EY Australia celebrates 25 years of its Entrepreneur Of The Year™ program, reveals independent judging panel for this year’s awards

Sydney, Australia – 2 October 2025 – EY Australia is proud to mark the 25th anniversary of its prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year™ program; a milestone that celebrates a legacy of innovation, resilience, and economic and social impact equivalent to that of a small nation.

Since its inception in 2001, the program has recognised and celebrated the achievements of visionary entrepreneurs who have transformed industries, re-imagined sectors, and created tens of thousands of Australian jobs.

The collective economic impact of entrepreneurs who have won the award since 2001 is equivalent to that of a small nation, with their firms now generating an estimated AUD$30 billion in annual revenue, an estimated AUD$70 billion in market valuation, and more than 80,000 jobs¹.

Selina Short, EY Leader for Clients and Industries, Oceania said, “As we celebrate 25 years of Entrepreneur Of The Year, we reflect on the incredible impact these individuals have made; not just in their respective fields, but in shaping the future economic prosperity of Australia and its communities.”

“The significant contributions of entrepreneurs must be supported by policy settings that encourage innovation and drive productivity. Reforms including modernising the R&D tax system, introducing IP incentives, and supporting business cashflow can help support the commercialisation of bold ideas led by the next generation of Australian entrepreneurs.”

Independent Judging Panel Announced

Each year an independent judging panel evaluates dozens of entries across five categories to determine which Australian entrepreneur will take home the ultimate prize. The panel will evaluate and score finalists based on criteria that includes entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and impact.

The panel comprises distinguished leaders from business, academia, and the entrepreneurial community, including:

• Naomi Simson, founder of RedBalloon and Big Red Group [Chair of Judges]
• Janine Allis, founder of Boost Juice Bars and The Business Academy
• Téa Angelos, founder of Smart Women Society and Vivlo Learning
• David Hyman, CEO and co-founder of Lendi Group
• Ben Gray, founding partner of BGH Capital

The winners will be announced at a gala event in Sydney on 15 October 2025.

For more information on the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ program, including this year’s finalists, visit www.ey.com/au/eoy

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Media Contact:

Andrew Sroufe
Andrew.sroufe@au.ey.com
+61 420 761 536

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™  

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ is the only global program of its kind 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.

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. 

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This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young Australia, a member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited.

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