Following a year marked by innovation, EY has announced the 16 2024 NZ Entrepreneur of the Year finalists who have created solutions for beauty, financial literacy, marketing and so much more.
Global data and technology organisation Ernst & Young (EY) have announced its Kiwi finalists for its annual Entrepreneur of the Year competition, with the winner going on to compete with other national winners across the world.
The 2024 edition of Entrepreneur of the Year saw 16 finalists who are striving to reshape and transform industries across the country.
Jason McGregor, EY Entrepreneur of the Year New Zealand Program Leader, says that this year there has been a large focus of improving lives and finding sustainable solutions for the planet amongst the finalists.
He adds that these entrepreneurs are a reflection of the entrepreneurial spirit of Aotearoa who are constantly on a mission to ensure a better future of diversity, inclusion and sustainability.
“Entrepreneurs play a vital role in creating new solutions that help solve problems and truly make a difference. That is exactly what we’ve seen from this year’s finalists, who continue to push the boundaries of what it means to innovate and showcase that on a global stage,” says McGregor.
“It’s inspiring to see that even from our small corner of the world, these entrepreneurs are being noticed worldwide for their courage to take risks and make an impact on communities. With leaders like these paving the way, we can be confident the future of entrepreneurship in New Zealand is bright, inspiring the next generation of changemakers.”
Read more: Here are EY’s 2023 Kiwi Entrepreneurs of the Year
To choose a winner, a panel of judges, which also includes previous winners such as David Yu of VeVe, will be judging the finalists based on four core values entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, impact and growth.
The 16 finalists for the 2024 NZ EY Entrepreneur of the Year:
- Sophie Cooper – Anihana
- Craig Piggott – Halter
- Simran Kaur – Girls That Invest
- Connor Archbold & Matthew Herbert – Tracksuit
- Miria Flavell – HINE Ltd
- Michael Walker – BlackBull Markets
- Christopher Boyle – Fabrum Solutions
- Rakesh Nauhria – Nauhria Precast Ltd
- Sam Bridgewater & Maia Royal – The Pure Food Co Ltd
- Graeme Clegg – New Image International
- Jonathan Pooch – DETA Consulting Ltd
- Ehsan Vaghefi – Toku Eyes
- Jonny Hendriksen – Shuttlerock
- Flip Grater – Grater Goods Ltd
- Glenn Catchpole – Velobike Innovation Limited
- Erna Basson – The Clean Beauty Company Ltd (Frula Beauty)
