About Entrepreneur Of The Year
The Entrepreneur Of The Year program has been celebrating the ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses for nearly four decades. Founded in 1986, the program has recognized more than 10,000 entrepreneurs throughout the US and has expanded to nearly 60 countries globally. Explore the program history to learn more about the impact of these entrepreneurs.
The East Central program includes Kentucky, Northeast & South Central Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia (*Excludes Northwest Ohio). Each year, a panel of independent judges selects regional finalists and winners who are recognized during an awards celebration in June. The regional award winners compete for national recognition the following November at the Strategic Growth Forum®, where National finalists and award winners are announced. The overall National winner then goes on to represent the US at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year® competition the following June.
Visit the Entrepreneur Of The Year Hall of Fame to discover outstanding leaders who have been recognized with this prestigious award over the years.
Program information
2023 regional finalists are building the economy of tomorrow
*Over the most recent three-year period
2023 regional celebration highlights
Entrepreneur Of The Year East Central team
Mike Denove
Program director
Shannon Crone
Program director
Melissa Ungar
Program Manager
Cassy Hubka
Program Coordinator
Founded and produced by
Presented by
Regional sponsors coming soon
Strategic Growth Forum® US
Each year, we celebrate the Entrepreneur Of The Year regional award winners at the Strategic Growth Forum, where national award winners are announced.
EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ North America
Identifying ambitious women entrepreneurs and provides them with the advice, resources and access they need to unlock their full potential.
EY Entrepreneurs Access Network
A business accelerating program for Black and Latino founders, designed to scale their businesses by equalizing access to resources, connections and capital.
