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EY US Unveils Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Regional Finalists

On April 23, 2026, Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) celebrated a remarkable milestone by announcing the finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Regional Awards. This prestigious program recognizes outstanding leaders who are shaping the future of their respective industries and represents 525 companies spanning 17 regions across the United States.

For over four decades, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program has been a beacon of innovation, honoring bold entrepreneurs who disrupt markets and drive positive change through their visionary companies. According to Anna Horndahl, the EY Americas Entrepreneur Of The Year Director, "These entrepreneurs are setting the pace for the next era. They exhibit exceptional grit, persistence, and ingenuity, propelling innovation and building enterprises that are indeed transforming the landscape of various industries."

The selection of these finalists was carried out by a panel of independent judges comprising esteemed entrepreneurs and respected business leaders from across the nation. These candidates were assessed on their capabilities to build long-term value through their entrepreneurial spirit and purpose, as well as their overall impact and contributions to the business community. The program highlights not only original founders who launched their businesses from scratch but also visionary CEOs who breathed new life into established companies with innovative approaches, along with family business leaders who have modernized legacy operations for future success.

As we look forward, these regional finalists will now be in contention for the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year regional awards, which will be announced throughout June. Additionally, all regional winners will be put forth to national judges for the national awards presentation that takes place at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November. This forum attracts high-growth CEOs, Fortune 1000 executives, and investors who converge to discuss and shape the future of the business world. The national overall winner will have the honor of representing the United States in the World Entrepreneur Of The Year® competition, showcasing entrepreneurial excellence on a global scale.

Winning a regional or national award places these entrepreneurs within an exclusive community of distinguished alumni, granting them ongoing access to a wealth of experience, wisdom, and insights from fellow members as well as essential support from EY's extensive resources across more than 80 countries.

EY has founded and produced the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in collaboration with several sponsors, including PNC Bank, Cresa, Marsh USA, SAP, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, acknowledging the collective efforts that contribute to the success of these ambitious leaders across various sectors.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year program has evolved since its inception in 1986 and has recognized more than 11,000 enterprising visionaries leading dynamic businesses in the United States while expanding its reach to nearly 80 countries globally. The US program consists of 17 regional competitions, where award winners are announced every June, paving the way for national recognition.

With an unwavering commitment to building a better working world, EY continues to create new value for its clients, workforce, and society at large. By harnessing data, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology, EY assists clients in navigating the most pressing challenges they face today and into the future. Operating with a multidisciplinary approach across assurance, consulting, tax, strategy, and transactions, EY positions itself as a global leader, serving clients in more than 150 countries.

While the spotlight shines on these remarkable finalists, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program reminds us of the spirit of entrepreneurship that drives innovation, builds communities, and ultimately shapes the future. For more information and to view the complete list of finalists, please visit ey.com/us/eoy.