EY Entrepreneur Of The Year winners contribute more than $21 billion in economic value to Australia

Sydney, Australia – 22 October 2026 – Businesses that have won the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ award for Australia contribute an estimated $21.4 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the national economy, generate $45.6 billion in economic output and support 135,540 jobs across the country.¹

New economic impact analysis conducted by EY Australia highlights the significant contribution entrepreneurial businesses make to Australia's success, demonstrating how founder-led companies can evolve from emerging ventures into major economic institutions.

The analysis shows that over a quarter century of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™, businesses recognised through the program have become powerful contributors to economic growth and industry development across Australia. Companies within the cohort include some of Australia's most successful and influential businesses, including Atlassian, ResMed, Chemist Warehouse, SEEK, MECCA and CAR Group.

Colin McNeil, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Australia Program Leader, said the findings challenge traditional perceptions of entrepreneurship.

"Entrepreneurship is often discussed through the lens of startups, investment rounds and valuations. Our data demonstrates that there is a category of entrepreneurs whose businesses evolve beyond the conventional definitions. Over time, many founder-led businesses become part of the economic fabric of the country. They generate economic activity, create new industries, attract investment and strengthen Australia's competitiveness."

The findings come as policymakers and business leaders continue to focus on lifting productivity and supporting long-term economic growth.

While much of the national debate centres on traditional policy levers, the analysis highlights the contribution of entrepreneurs who successfully scale businesses into large, economically significant organisations. The collective impact of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ alumni businesses demonstrates the important role entrepreneurship plays in expanding Australia's productive capacity and economic resilience.

McNeil said the findings provide a broader lens through which to view entrepreneurship.

"When we talk about infrastructure, we often think about roads, ports and utilities. But thriving businesses also underpin economic growth."

"The entrepreneurs recognised through this program have built organisations that contribute billions of dollars to the economy, support innovation and help position Australia for future growth."

Ahead of this year’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ winner being announced next month, the economic data highlights the broader contribution of entrepreneurial leadership to Australia.

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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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 celebrated 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

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