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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year, one of the world’s most prestigious business awards, now spotlighting Azerbaijan’s top entrepreneurs. EY Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) is a unique global program that recognizes visionary leaders building successful, dynamic businesses and making a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.

Last date to submit the application is 30 December 2025

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Download the Nomination form

For over 35 years, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program has been celebrating exceptional entrepreneurs across 60+ countries and 145 cities worldwide. Since 2019, program has been empowering Azerbaijan’s boldest business leaders. It was launched with the genuine intention to honor, support, and connect Azerbaijani entrepreneurs. As part of the global EY Entrepreneur Of The Year network, the Azerbaijan program celebrates local business leaders who are making a meaningful impact on Azerbaijan’s economy and society and building lasting legacies.

By taking part, entrepreneurs connect with peers, access valuable insights to support their growth, and increase visibility for their companies and brands. Each national program culminates in the selection of a winner who then competes for the prestigious EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in Monaco.

Winners of the Entrepreneur of the Year Azerbaijan

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ program is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan, empowering business leaders to grow both locally and globally. This prestigious competition offers national and international recognition for finalists and access to a powerful network of over 500 strong EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Alumni community.

As one of the world’s leading business award programs, it celebrates the most innovative entrepreneurs in each country.

Participation enhances your company’s visibility among peers, sponsors, and potential partners, while opening doors to investors, customers, and talent. Winners gain extensive media exposure and opportunities for speaking engagements.

National contest winners represent their countries at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ award finals in Monte-Carlo, where they compete for the global EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year title.
The applicant must be the idea generator and the main financial investor of the company. (Individuals continuing a family business are not eligible to apply)
The applicant must hold at least 20% ownership of the company’s shares.
The company must have had an annual turnover AZN 300,000 to AZN 30 million for at least one of the past two years.
The company must have been operational for a minimum of two years.
The company must employ at least five registered employees.
All EY Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists and winners around the world must be assessed by independent judges using the following, globally consistent criteria.

The EOY judging criteria form a balanced scorecard, meaning that no single criterion is more important than any other. The criteria has been developed to align with EY's purpose of building a better working world. It places long term value at the heart of the judging process.

By celebrating entrepreneurs who are truly creating long term value, EY is able to build strong relationships with entrepreneurs who align with our values and are making the world a better place.
Entrepreneurial spirit

Identifies opportunities to innovate and create a better world.
Takes risks to realize their vision.
Demonstrates courage, perseverance and resilience to overcome significant obstacles.

Purpose

Commits themselves and their organization to an inspiring purpose and vision.
Drives strategies for a sustainable future business.
Creates and protects value in the long-term, across a broad group of stakeholders and ecosystems (e.g. consumers, employees, suppliers, government, communities, investors and shareholders).

Impact

Positively impacts the customers they serve.
Integrates sustainable Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices in their strategy with robust commitments and execution plans.
Focuses on diversity and inclusion across multiple dimensions.

Growth

Increases market share and expands into new markets.
Drives positive financial performance.
Invests in attracting, developing and retaining a diverse mix of talent.
Builds a culture of innovation that pioneers new approaches or technologies.
The Entrepreneur Of The Year™ is judged by an independent panel made up of respected entrepreneurs, top managers of state corporations, executives representing international financial institutions and key influencers.

The judges look for business leaders who have:

Strong leadership skills and an unflinching desire and determination to be successful
Integrity and transparency in business dealings
Understanding of the value of teamwork, but also the capacity to be independent thinkers
Innovative vision and approaches to business models, business culture or processes
Ability to impact national and, potentially, global markets
Ability to create new jobs and improve living economics in the market
Strong sense of personal purpose, ability to inspire positive social and environmental change, including making a strong philanthropic contribution to their community
Ability to demonstrate operational excellence to optimize their organization’s structures and processes
Ability to demonstrate entrepreneurial maturity by building strategic alliances and surrounding themselves with talented people in order to share knowledge and empower others
Afgan Isayev
Vice-President, SOCAR

Aliya Azimova
Country Head, The International Finance Corporation

Mir Jamal Pashayev
Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, Pasha Holding

Gustaf Nobel
CEO, Conversus

Teyba Gouliyeva
Regional Representative, Societe Generale Corporate & Investment Banking
To participate in the competition , please ensure that you submit the required documentation in a timely manner. The following documents must be provided:

Tax Sheets for the Last Two Years
Financial Statements for the Last Two Years
Charter Capital Documentation
Who can participate?

You need to be a citizen of Azerbaijan and your company should be legally incorporated (registered) in Azerbaijan. You will have to meet all other eligibility criteria.

What if my company is an official representation or a branch of a foreign company in Azerbaijan?

No, only companies established and registered in Azerbaijan can participate in the program.

Does my company have to be on the market for a certain fixed duration to be eligible?

We expect your company to be active on the market for a minimum of two years by January 2026.

Is there a monetary prize?

No, we do not offer a monetary prize. However, the winner of the national competition will represent Azerbaijan at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year event in Monte Carlo, Monaco in June 2026.

What are other benefits of participation?

This program is considered to be the most prestigious competition amongst entrepreneurs in the world. Successful finalists will receive national and international recognition within the business community, access to media, as well as promotion of their brand and business.

How do I apply for the program?

To take part in the program, you must send a signed copy of the application form to the following email: eoy@az.ey.com, along with a Tax Reconciliation List and Financial Statements for the last 2 years. Afterwards, the original copy should be sent by post to the following address: Port Baku Towers, Business Centre, South Tower, 9th floor,153 Neftchilar avenue, Baku, AZ1010, Azerbaijan

Is there anyone I can approach if I have any questions or difficulties with application submission?

Should you have any questions or difficulties with the application form, you can contact us at +994124907020 (please ask for Narmin Guliyeva). We will be happy to provide all necessary answers to your queries.

WEOY 2022
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Our team

Ilgar Veliyev

Country Managing Partner for Azerbaijan

Ilgar has solid understanding of the on-going economic developments. He is involved in various initiatives aimed at the improvement of investment climate in Azerbaijan.

Baku, Azerbaijan

Narmin Guliyeva

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Manager for Azerbaijan

Helping entrepreneurs to connect and contribute to local business community.

Baku, Azerbaijan

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APFM and Finansist

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EY refers to the global organization, 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.