Deadline: February 27, 2026
The EY Entrepreneur of the Year Program 2026 is one of the world’s most prestigious recognition programmes for entrepreneurs who demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, purpose and impact. Established in 1986, the programme has celebrated over 11,000 entrepreneurs globally and operates across nearly 60 countries, making it one of the most influential entrepreneurial awards worldwide.
The programme recognises visionary leaders who are building high-growth businesses, transforming industries, creating employment and delivering long-term value to society. National winners often advance to regional and global stages, including the highly regarded EY World Entrepreneur of the Year competition.
Programme Deadline
- Application Deadline: 27 February 2026
- Applications are currently open for the 2026 cycle.
Who Should Apply
Entrepreneur Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a CEO, President or equivalent senior leader
- Must be primarily responsible for the company’s performance
- Eligible candidates may include:
- Original founders
- Non-founder transformational CEOs
- Multigenerational family business leaders
- Must have held their leadership role for at least two years by the application deadline
- Previous applicants or finalists, including past winners (under certain conditions), may reapply
Company Eligibility Criteria
Eligible companies must:
- Be a for-profit business
- Have been in operation for a minimum of two years
- Generate at least US$10 million in annual revenue
- Note: Exceptions may apply for life sciences companies and emerging businesses operating for less than five years
Benefits of Participating
Entrepreneurs selected for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Program gain access to a wide range of benefits, including:
- High-profile recognition at national, regional and global levels
- Increased visibility among investors, customers and strategic partners
- Opportunities to network with accomplished entrepreneurs across industries
- Peer-to-peer learning with business leaders facing similar growth challenges
- Access to EY’s global ecosystem of expertise, insights and thought leadership
Judging Criteria
Applications are assessed by an independent panel of judges using the following core criteria:
- Entrepreneurial Spirit – vision, innovation and leadership
- Purpose – contribution to society and responsible business practices
- Growth – business expansion, scalability and sustainability
- Impact – economic, social and industry influence
- Financial Performance – revenue growth, profitability and resilience
Why the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Program 2026 Matters
The EY Entrepreneur of the Year Program 2026 is more than an award; it is a global platform that elevates entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of business. Participation places entrepreneurs among an elite network of leaders recognised for excellence, integrity and long-term impact.
Application Support
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