Nomination period now open for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2015 Awards
TORONTO, March 3, 2015 /CNW/ - Canadian entrepreneurs are the rock stars of the business world. Their fearless ambition, commitment and vision continue to drive our economy despite any number of challenges: timing, geography and even luck. The best entrepreneurs — and those who lead their companies to greatness — often have what's known as the "entrepreneurship gene". Whether good leaders are born or made, we do know that they share certain star characteristics.
The nomination period has begun for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Awards. Colleen McMorrow, EY partner and national Entrepreneur Of The Year program director, shares her tips on how to pick those game-changers out from the crowd.
She identifies five traits that set entrepreneurial stars apart:
1. #fearless
They plunge into their ideas head first, whether the economy is booming or on the decline. Facing the most difficult challenges, star entrepreneurs have a flair for pushing the boundaries and finding a way to adapt their business and solutions to meet market needs. They defy gravity with courage and conviction.
2. #passion
Star entrepreneurs don't ever feel like they're working, because they do what they love. Immersed in the most progressive trends, they share endless energy with their people, customers and communities.
3. #nevergiveup
Giving up is not in a star entrepreneur's DNA, but dogged determination is. Faced with an imminent demise of their business, they persist and turn it around at the last second. Where there's a will, there's a way, and star entrepreneurs have a powerful will.
4. #failfastandlearn
For a star entrepreneur, risk is a way of life. When all the signs read "caution," star entrepreneurs speed up and throw all their energy at their idea, no matter how unlikely. The need to embrace resilience and the ability to rebound helps entrepreneurs use their failures to accelerate their learnings.
5. #collaborative
Star entrepreneurs are the first to admit they don't know everything. Instead of stubbornly pursuing something they don't excel at, they seek out opportunities for partnerships, collaborations and business deals. They build world-class teams and know when to get out of the way!
"Canada's diverse entrepreneurs ignite innovation and stimulate growth in our economy. Let's recognize and celebrate them across our country," says McMorrow. "They dream big and the sky is no limit to their bold ambitions. They are the visionaries of tomorrow — we can't wait to see who shines in this year's program."
Do you know an entrepreneur who demonstrates some or all of these traits? Nominate them today for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Awards to share their story, inspire others and celebrate their teams.
What's next?
The deadline to submit a nomination for the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs is 30 April 2015. Award winners are chosen by EY's independent panels of judges across industry sectors, based on their vision, entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, innovation, financial performance, personal integrity and influence, as well as community engagement. For more information about eligibility requirements and to nominate online, visit ey.com/ca/EOY.
About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award 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 award of its kind, EY 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 140 cities in 50 countries.
About EY's Strategic Growth Markets Network
EY's worldwide Strategic Growth Markets Network is dedicated to serving the changing needs of high-growth companies. For more than 30 years, we've helped many of the world's most dynamic and ambitious companies grow into market leaders. Whether working with international mid-cap companies or early-stage venture-backed businesses, our professionals draw upon their extensive experience, insight and global resources to help your business succeed.
About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. For more than 150 years in Canada, we've delivered the insights and quality services that help build trust and confidence in capital markets here 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 about the program, FAQs and key dates, please visit ey.com/ca/EOY.
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This year's national program sponsors are National Post, TEC Canada, RDI, La Presse, TSX/TSXV, Merrill DataSite and The Printing House Limited.
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)
Erika Bennett, [email protected], 403 206 5157; Julie Fournier, [email protected], 514 874 4308; Sasha Anopina, [email protected], 416 943 2637
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