Entrepreneurs turn us on: Ernst & Young launches 20th year of Entrepreneur Of The Year

Shine the spotlight on inspiring entrepreneurs - nominations open today

TORONTO, March 1, 2013 /CNW/ - With entrepreneurs accounting for 50% of employment in most G20 countries, celebrating and advocating for these innovative businesses is more important than ever before, Ernst & Young said today while launching the 20^th anniversary year of its Entrepreneur Of The Year program in Canada.

The firm is calling on Canadians to nominate local entrepreneurs from across the country who demonstrate outstanding vision, leadership, financial success and social responsibility.

"Entrepreneurs operate across a wide spectrum. They lead companies of all sizes in developed and emerging markets. But their goals are the same," says Colleen McMorrow, National Director of Entrepreneur Of The Year. "They strive to push the boundaries of what's been done and what is possible. And when they have that 'light bulb moment,' there's no stopping them."

These business leaders embrace innovation in ways never before thought possible, exploring and monetizing a pipeline of new ideas and business platforms — a drive we can all learn from.

"Companies at every stage and size can learn from entrepreneurs' determined drive for innovation," says McMorrow. "It's not always about reinventing the wheel or uncovering the next big thing. It's about embedding innovation into every aspect of your organization."

McMorrow says the amazing practices we've learned from leading entrepreneurs through two decades are an important part of why programs like this matter. Among the leading practices for sparking innovation are:

1. Tailoring your strategy to your company
2. Factoring in the human component
3. Welcoming outside resources
4. Rewarding innovation at each staff level

"It's the entrepreneurs' mandate to reinvent the way we do business — and it's ours to help them along the way," says McMorrow. "We're proud to celebrate 20 years of supporting countless Canadian visionaries and we encourage other organizations to do the same. Together we can create a truly thriving entrepreneurial environment."

For more information, FAQs and key dates — and to submit nominations online — visit ey.com/ca/EOY.

About Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year program
Entrepreneurs turn us on. To new ideas, new ways of thinking and new possibilities. We've shone the spotlight on entrepreneurs for 20 years — and we've only just begun. The call for nominations for Ernst & Young's awards program begins today. Self-nominations are encouraged as well, and there is no fee to nominate. An Entrepreneur Of The Year nominee must be an owner, CEO or CEO-equivalent of a private or public company with primary responsibility for its recent performance and an active member of top management. The company must be at least three years old.

This year's national program sponsors are the National Post, La Presse and RDI. For more information, FAQs and key dates — and to submit nominations online — visit ey.com/ca/EOY.

About Ernst & Young's Entrepreneurial Services practice
Ernst & Young LLP's Entrepreneurial Services practice guides Canadian entrepreneurs by delivering integrated services tailored to their goals and needs at every stage of the business lifecycle. We are the world leader in advising, guiding and recognizing the entrepreneurs who propel the economy — and community — forward.

For more information, please visit ey.com/ca/Entrepreneurs.

Follow us on Twitter @EYCanada: #EOY20

About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 167,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.

For more information, please visit ey.com/ca.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of 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.

Video with caption: "Video: Best of the Buzz". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20130301_C9525_VIDEO_EN_24179.mp4&posterurl=http://photos.newswire.ca/images/20130301_C9525_PHOTO_EN_24179.jpg&clientName=Ernst%20%26%20Young&caption=Video%3A%20Best%20of%20the%20Buzz&title=&headline=Entrepreneurs%20turn%20us%20on%3A%20Ernst%20%26%20Young%20launches%2020th%20year%20of%20Entrepreneur%20Of%20The%20Year

Image with caption: "Ernst & Young's Colleen McMorrow, National Entrepreneur Of The Year program director with 2012 Entrepreneur Of The Year Dr. Alan Ulsifer of FYidoctors, and Ernst & Young Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Trent Henry. (CNW Group/Ernst & Young)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130301_C9525_PHOTO_EN_24177.jpg

Image with caption: "Ernst & Young's 2012 Entrepreneur Of The Year Dr. Alan Ulsifer of FYidoctors (CNW Group/Ernst & Young)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130301_C9525_PHOTO_EN_24175.jpg

SOURCE: Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young's 2012 Entrepreneur Of The Year Dr. Alan Ulsifer of FYidoctors (CNW Group/Ernst & Young)

For further information:

Erika Bennett
[e-mail]
416 943 5497 

Sarah Shields
[e-mail]
604 648 3607

Julie Fournier
[e-mail]
514 874 4308