EY Canada this week recognized more than 160 entrepreneurs as regional finalists in the organization’s Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 program.
Selected by an independent panel of judges, businesses from coast-to-coast have been recognized for their value creation, purpose-driven leadership, and the impact of their work on communities around them.
Now celebrating its 30th year anniversary in Canada, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program recognizes entrepreneurs who “continuously repaint and reframe our economy from innovative angles through their unique visions and hard work.”
“This year’s finalists exemplify the caliber of entrepreneurs we have championed in our program for the past three decades,” stated Rachel Rodrigues, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Canada Program Director. “From real estate and energy to technology and beyond, each of these entrepreneurs is unlocking new sources of value for the Canadian economy, while also leading the way in sustainable and socially responsible business practices.”
Across the realm of technology within the Prairies region stands a veritable lineup of innovators and entrepreneurs, some of which have graced the digital pages of Calgary.tech.
This includes the trio behind earned wage access upstart ZayZoon: Tate Hackert, Jamie Ha, and Darcy Tuer. The Calgary-based ZayZoon works with employers to give employees a low-cost and accessible alternative to predatory payday loans and late bill payment penalties.
Eric Wen and Alex MacGregor of Qube Technologies also made the list. Earlier this year, Calgary’s Qube Technologies secured a Series B round of capital to advance innovation, broaden international reach, and reinforce its position as a provider of continuous emissions monitoring for high-emitting industries.
One more local company readers may recognize is PayShepherd, which raised capital earlier this year to power its fintech platform targeting heavy industry. Cofounders Jenn Hunter and Wesley Sessenwein made EY’s cut as finalists.
“By transforming established industries and launching groundbreaking ventures, these entrepreneurs are navigating evolving market landscapes and meeting customer needs with agility,” stated Rodrigues. “We’re proud to recognize their success in addressing critical issues with innovative solutions, contributing to job creation and economic growth in Canada.”
Next, an independent panel of judges will select an overall winner from each region, who will be announced in October.
Then, overall regional winners will compete at the national level in November for the title of Canada’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024.
Finally, the overall Canadian winner will go on to compete in Monaco for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025.
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