The 2024 EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme is officially open for nominations – and entrepreneurs from emerging, established, and international businesses operating across all industry sectors in Galway invited to submit their nominations before February 29.

The theme for this year’s programme is Trailblazers. Entrepreneurial trailblazers are true leaders with the courage and capacity to plot and follow their own path, pushing conventional boundaries and limits.

Through their exploration of new technologies, sciences, applications and markets, Ireland’s entrepreneurs provide innovative answers and solutions to many of today’s greatest challenges. They are often pioneers within their respective industries both in Ireland and across global markets. They forge their own unique trail to enable their companies, people, and the wider economy to reach new heights and aspirations.

Roger Wallace, Partner Lead for EY Entrepreneur of the Year Ireland said 24 finalists would be selected by an independent judging panel, comprising former winners, and chaired by Harry Hughes CEO of Portwest, who takes over the role from Anne Heraty CEO of CPL Resources plc.

“As finalists they will participate in an exciting strategic growth programme over a ten-month period, including a week-long CEO Retreat to South Africa,” he said.

“They will also be welcomed into our acclaimed alumni community where they will have the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by many of Ireland’s leading entrepreneurs who remain the heartbeat of the programme.”

The EY Entrepreneur of the Year alumni community comprises more than 600 entrepreneurs representing some of the greatest business minds across the island of Ireland. Collectively these businesses employ more than 250,000 people and generate revenues in excess of €23billion.

Galway native Lorraine Heskin, CEO of the Gourmet Food Parlour is one of the many EOY Alumni.

“I learned so much from the programme and forged friendships and connections with inspirational entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries,” she said.

“The alumni network continues to be an invaluable support group to me today and their collective experience and business expertise is second to none. This programme has brought my ambition to a whole new level and allowed me to become a better CEO with greater knowledge, drive and experience,” she added.

Pictured: Roger Wallace, Partner Lead for EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Sam Moffett, managing director and founder of Moffett Automated Storage Ltd and EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2023, Eimear McCrann, Director, EY Entrepreneur of the Year, at the launch of the 2024 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) programme.