Celebrating Entrepreneurship: EY US Announces Regional Winners of Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026

Celebrating Innovation and Leadership in Entrepreneurship

Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) recently announced the winners of the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Regional Awards, showcasing exceptional entrepreneurs pioneering the future across all 17 US regions. This award program, which has been running for 41 years, recognizes leaders who are making significant impacts in their industries, revolutionizing market dynamics through innovative thinking and strategic execution.

The 2026 award winners illustrate a new era of entrepreneurship characterized by innovation and disciplined business practices. Several sectors, including healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and consumer products, are represented among the awardees. As these companies embrace technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics, they significantly enhance their operations, modernize service delivery, and redefine industry standards.

Anna Horndahl, EY Americas Entrepreneur Of The Year Director, emphasized the importance of recognizing leaders who are committed to purposeful scaling and impactful business practices. She stated, "This year's winners are executing at a high level and creating meaningful impact in their industries. We are proud to acknowledge their achievements and welcome them into the EY entrepreneurial ecosystem."

Selected by an independent panel of judges, the regional awardees were evaluated on multiple criteria, including their ability to build long-term value, demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit, and exhibit strong growth and impact within their fields. The panel considered original founders, innovative CEOs who transformed existing businesses, and family business leaders modernizing traditional models for greater resilience and success in the modern marketplace.

Following this recognition, all regional winners will advance to compete at the national level for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November. This prestigious event attracts high-growth CEOs, executives from Fortune 1000 companies, and influential investors, all eager to shape the business landscape of tomorrow. The winner of the National Overall Award will have the opportunity to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Award in May 2027.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards program, established in 1986, is committed to celebrating ambitious innovators who have led dynamic businesses across the US. Over the years, it has recognized more than 11,000 business leaders and has expanded to include nearly 60 countries and territories worldwide. The US program features 17 distinct regional competitions, where independent judges select the winners each June. The journey culminates at the Strategic Growth Forum®, where national finalists and awardees are announced, honoring those who exemplify excellence in business leadership.

With continued access to the exclusive community of award winners, regional and national honorees benefit from a global network enriched with experiences and insights from fellow alumni and ecosystem members across over 60 countries. Supported by an expansive range of EY resources, awardees are well-equipped to navigate future challenges and capitalize on new opportunities in their respective industries.

Founded by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards program boasts prominent sponsors including PNC Bank, Cresa, Marsh Risk, SAP, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. These partnerships further enhance the program's dedication to supporting entrepreneurial excellence.

In summary, the recognition of these entrepreneurs is not merely an award but a testament to their commitment, innovation, and leadership within rapidly evolving industries. As they continue to challenge the status quo, their influence is expected to resonate deeply within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, inspiring future generations of leaders to follow in their footsteps.

For more information about the 2026 US winners, visit ey.com/en_us/entrepreneur-of-the-year-us/regional-programs.