Ontario's most daring entrepreneurs named finalists of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ program
TORONTO, July 6 2017 /CNW/ - EY is recognizing entrepreneurs who dare to take risks, dive into uncertainty and overcome challenges with innovative solutions. Today, the firm named 40 finalists across 10 categories in its EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2017 Ontario Awards program.
"Innovation is a strong thread that weaves through all of our categories this year," says Elena Doucette, Entrepreneur Of The Year Ontario program Co-Director. "Our finalists continue to wow us with their ability to transform traditional business models in unique and transformative ways. They're recognizing it's not just about creating the best company, but being best prepared for change."
"This year especially, it's exciting to see a stronger female presence across the various categories," says Paula Smith, Entrepreneur Of The Year Ontario program Co-Director. "Diversity is a key driver of Canada's entrepreneurial ecosystem. We're proud to be shining a light on these amazing and innovative women-led businesses."
Canada's entrepreneurs create companies that grow, and in turn, create jobs that boost the economy. The businesses of this year's Ontario finalists employ over 13,000 people and see year-over-year growth with a sum of $3.3 billion in annual revenues.
At the Ontario gala in Toronto on 24 October 2017, EY will name winners in a number of diverse categories selected by the independent panel of judges. One of those category winners will be named the overall Ontario winner and will later compete with winners from Québec, Atlantic, Prairies and Pacific for the Canadian Entrepreneur Of The Year title. The Canadian winner will go on to compete with winners from more than 50 countries for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year, in June 2018.
Last month, EY Canada's 2016 overall winner, Murad Al-Katib of AGT Food and Ingredients, was named EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year for his purpose-driven approach and exceptional growth over the years. Al-Katib doesn't plan on stopping there – his ambitious expansion plans are consistent with the findings of EY's recent global Growth Barometer survey. The survey shows middle-market companies are still optimistic about growth in times of geopolitical uncertainties, shifting demographics and rapid technology advancements.
More information
Follow @EYCanada, #EOY and #EOYOntario on Twitter for the latest event updates.
Visit ey.com/ca/eoy for more program details and a complete list of category finalists and gala dates in the regions.
View the full list of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 Ontario finalists
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 2017 Ontario independent judging panel consists of Jill Denham, Corporate Director; Lisa Melchior, Founder and President, VERTU Capital; Steve Faraone, Managing Director, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan; Jeff Parr, Co-CEO and Managing Director, Clairvest Group Inc.; Gerald Slemko, CEO, Trudell Medical Ltd.; Rick Watkin, President and CEO, KUBRA; Andy Burgess, Managing Partner, Russell Square Partners; Code Cubitt, Founder and Managing Director, Mistral Venture Partners; and Lori O'Neill, Corporate Director.
This year's program national sponsors are TEC Canada, La Presse, RDI, The TMX Group, The Globe and Mail Inc., Merrill Corporation, Kira Talent, Air Canada, SheEO, The Printing House Limited and Hillberg & Berk. Ontario regional sponsors are Captivate Network, Business News Network and Steam Whistle.
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.
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. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.
SOURCE EY (Ernst & Young)
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Sasha Anopina, [email protected], 416 943 2637; Matt O'Connor, [email protected], 403 206 5675; Camille Larivière, [email protected], 514 879 8021; Victoria McQueen, [email protected], 416 943 3141
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