EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ is a unique global program that recognizes entrepreneurial achievement among individuals and companies that demonstrate vision, leadership and success — and work to improve the quality of life in their communities, countries and around the world.

Last date to submit the application is 30 December 2024

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Download the Nomination form

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ program was established more than 35 years ago and currently operates in more than 60 countries and 145 cities around the world. By participating in this program, entrepreneurs can connect with their peers, access relevant insights to help navigate their growth journey and raise the profile of their companies and teams. Each program culminates in the announcement of an overall winner who then competes for the prestigious EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Award in Monte-Carlo.

Entrepreneur Of The Year™ was launched in Azerbaijan with the genuine intention to honor, support and connect local entrepreneurs. The program recognizes successful entrepreneurs making a positive impact on their society and the economy, and the legacies they’re building

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ program is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan, empowering business leaders to grow both locally and globally. This prestigious competition offers national and international recognition for finalists and access to a powerful network of over 500 strong EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Alumni community.

As one of the world’s leading business award programs, it celebrates the most innovative entrepreneurs in each country.

Participation enhances your company’s visibility among peers, sponsors, and potential partners, while opening doors to investors, customers, and talent. Winners gain extensive media exposure and opportunities for speaking engagements.

National contest winners represent their countries at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ award finals in Monte-Carlo, where they compete for the global EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year title.
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ is open to businesses based in Azerbaijan
Applicants must own at least a 20% interest in their companies
Applicants must be primarily responsible for the recent performance of their companies
Turnover in a range of AZN 300,000 to AZN 30 million for at least one fiscal year (applicable for a period of two preceding years)
The applicant’s company must be in operation for at least two years by January 2024
Applicant’s taxes must be traceable for a period of two preceding years
Applicants can produce financial reporting for a period of two preceding years
All EY Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists and winners around the world must be assessed by independent judges using the following, globally consistent criteria.

The EOY judging criteria form a balanced scorecard, meaning that no single criterion is more important than any other. The criteria has been developed to align with EY's purpose of building a better working world. It places long term value at the heart of the judging process.

By celebrating entrepreneurs who are truly creating long term value, EY is able to build strong relationships with entrepreneurs who align with our values and are making the world a better place.
Entrepreneurial spirit

Identifies opportunities to innovate and create a better world.
Takes risks to realize their vision.
Demonstrates courage, perseverance and resilience to overcome significant obstacles.

Purpose

Commits themselves and their organization to an inspiring purpose and vision.
Drives strategies for a sustainable future business.
Creates and protects value in the long-term, across a broad group of stakeholders and ecosystems (e.g. consumers, employees, suppliers, government, communities, investors and shareholders).

Impact

Positively impacts the customers they serve.
Integrates sustainable Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices in their strategy with robust commitments and execution plans.
Focuses on diversity and inclusion across multiple dimensions.

Growth

Increases market share and expands into new markets.
Drives positive financial performance.
Invests in attracting, developing and retaining a diverse mix of talent.
Builds a culture of innovation that pioneers new approaches or technologies.
Who can participate?

You need to be a citizen of Azerbaijan and your company should be legally incorporated (registered) in Azerbaijan. You will have to meet all other eligibility criteria.

What if my company is an official representation or a branch of a foreign company in Azerbaijan?

No, only companies established and registered in Azerbaijan can participate in the program.

Does my company have to be on the market for a certain fixed duration to be eligible?

We expect your company to be active on the market for a minimum of two years by January 2023.

Is there a monetary prize?

No, we do not offer a monetary prize. However, the winner of the national competition will represent Azerbaijan at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year event in Monte Carlo, Monaco in June 2023.

What are other benefits of participation?

This program is considered to be the most prestigious competition amongst entrepreneurs in the world. Successful finalists will receive national and international recognition within the business community, access to media, as well as promotion of their brand and business.

How do I apply for the program?

To take part in the program, you must send a signed copy of the application form to the following email: eoy@az.ey.com, along with a Tax Reconciliation List and Financial Statements for the last 2 years. Afterwards, the original copy should be sent by post to the following address: Port Baku Towers, Business Centre, South Tower, 9th floor,153 Neftchilar avenue, Baku, AZ1010, Azerbaijan

Is there anyone I can approach if I have any questions or difficulties with application submission?

Should you have any questions or difficulties with the application form, you can contact us at +994124907020 (please ask for Narmin Guliyeva). We will be happy to provide all necessary answers to your queries.
The Entrepreneur Of The Year™ is judged by an independent panel made up of respected entrepreneurs, top managers of state corporations, executives representing international financial institutions and key influencers.

The judges look for business leaders who have:

Strong leadership skills and an unflinching desire and determination to be successful
Integrity and transparency in business dealings
Understanding of the value of teamwork, but also the capacity to be independent thinkers
Innovative vision and approaches to business models, business culture or processes
Ability to impact national and, potentially, global markets
Ability to create new jobs and improve living economics in the market
Strong sense of personal purpose, ability to inspire positive social and environmental change, including making a strong philanthropic contribution to their community
Ability to demonstrate operational excellence to optimize their organization’s structures and processes
Ability to demonstrate entrepreneurial maturity by building strategic alliances and surrounding themselves with talented people in order to share knowledge and empower others
Afgan Isayev

Vice-President, SOCAR

Aliya Azimova

Country Head, The International Finance Corporation

Gustaf Nobel

CEO, Conversus

Mir Jamal Pashayev

Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, Pasha Holding

Teyba Gouliyeva

Regional Representative, Societe Generale Corporate & Investment Banking

Featured press releases

EY Azerbaijan Announces Winners of the ‘Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023’ Contest

EY honors the most resilient and innovative entrepreneurs in the country.

EY Azerbaijan

EY Unveils 13 Participants of This Year's 'EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™' Contest

Thirteen inspirational entrepreneurs who will compete for the prestigious title ‘EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™’.

EY Azerbaijan

EY Azerbaijan invites small and medium sized companies to take part in the ‘EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™’ 2022-2023 competition

EY has recently announced the start of the fourth competition in Azerbaijan and is now seeking nominations (applications) from successful small and medium sized companies and entrepreneurs.

EY Azerbaijan

Our team

Ilgar Veliyev

EY Managing Partner for Azerbaijan

Ilgar has solid understanding of the on-going economic developments. He is involved in various initiatives aimed at the improvement of investment climate in Azerbaijan.

Baku, AZE

Narmin Guliyeva

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Manager for Azerbaijan

Helping entrepreneurs to connect and contribute to local business community.

Baku, AZE

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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.

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™

Entrepreneur Of The Year™ was launched in Azerbaijan with the genuine intention to honor, support and connect local entrepreneurs. The program recognizes successful entrepreneurs making a positive impact on their society and the economy, and the legacies they’re building

Entrepreneurial spirit

Purpose

Impact

Growth

Our team

Ilgar Veliyev

Narmin Guliyeva

Contact us

Insights

Trending topics

Spotlight

Services

Spotlight

Industries

Case studies

Careers

Spotlight

About us

Top news

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™

Entrepreneur Of The Year™ was launched in Azerbaijan with the genuine intention to honor, support and connect local entrepreneurs. The program recognizes successful entrepreneurs making a positive impact on their society and the economy, and the legacies they’re building

Benefits of the program

Eligibility criteria

Judging criteria

FAQ

Meet the judges