Finalists announced for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2019 Ontario program

Ontario entrepreneurs are emerging to transform their industries

TORONTO, July 10, 2019 /CNW/ - Each year EY recognizes unstoppable entrepreneurs who are bettering the world around them and cutting through the noise of this Transformative Age. Today, the firm celebrates 42 finalists across 9 categories in its EY Entrepreneur Of The Year^® Awards 2019 Ontario program.  

"I'm blown away by the remarkable stories of entrepreneurs we have in this region," says Craig Roskos, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ontario Program Co-Director. "We have a significant number of new and emerging entrepreneurs this year — with nearly half of the businesses less than 10 years old. But what stands out the most is how all of our finalists are responding to change by continuously challenging the status quo and innovating to uncover news ways of thinking."

Despite a period of renewed economic uncertainty, executives' confidence continues to grow. The EY Global Capital Confidence Barometer finds geopolitical issues, trade tensions and alerts for economic downturn are top of mind for entrepreneurs, but these same issues are likewise seen as an avenue for opportunity. Companies are remaining positive by turning to M&A and technology to improve agility, gain a competitive advantage and drive local and global economic growth.

"The majority of this year's finalists have an international reach — and impact. They're driving positive change in local economies and communities, and those around the world," says Paula Smith, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ontario Program Co-Director. "We're proud to see businesses from this region responding to global demands and making a difference, and that we can tell their success stories."

Across global markets, this year's 42 Ontario finalists currently employ 17,080 people and generate annual revenues of almost $5 billion.

View the full list of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2019 Ontario finalists

What's next?

The Ontario finalists will come together on 24 October 2019 in Toronto at the annual awards gala, where EY will name one winner in each of the nine categories selected by the independent panel of judges. One of those category winners will be named the overall Ontario EY Entrepreneur Of The Year and will later compete with regional winners from Pacific, Prairies, Québec and Atlantic for the title of Canada's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year. The Canadian winner will go on to compete with national winners from across the globe for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year in June 2020.

More information

Follow @EYCanada, #EOYCanada and #EOYOntario on Twitter for the latest program updates.

Visit ey.com/ca/eoy for more program details and information on how to attend one of the regional galas across the country.

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year^®

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy

The 2019 Ontario independent judging panel consists of Alan Quarry, Chairman, Quarry Integrated Communications; Anne Sado, President, George Brown College; Bruce Poon Tip, Founder, G Adventures; Code Cubitt, Founder & Managing Director, Mistral Venture Partners; Kim Mason, Senior Vice President, Business Distribution, Strategy & Performance, Royal Bank of Canada; Lee McDonald, President & CEO, Southmedic Inc.; Lori O'Neill, Independent Director; and Teresa Lee, Director, OMERS Private Equity Inc.

This year's program national sponsors are ICI RDI, The TMX Group, The Globe and Mail Inc., Air Canada, Media One Creative and The Printing House Limited. Ontario regional sponsors are Captivate and Steam Whistle Brewing.

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

For more information, please visit ey.com/ca. Follow us on Twitter @EYCanada.

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SOURCE EY (Ernst & Young)

Sarah Shields, [email protected], [phone]; Victoria McQueen, [email protected], [phone]; Camille Larivière, [email protected], [phone]

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