THE ERNST Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards have entered their 14th year, with entries now invited for the 2011 contest.

The awards are aimed at recognising and celebrating entrepreneurs, as well as creating a network of like-minded peers. Previous entrepreneurs of the year include Aidan Heavy of Tullow Oil, Liam Casey of PCH International and Brian Conlon of First Derivatives. Launching the 2011 competition, Ernst Young partner Frank O’Keeffe said entrepreneurs stood out by having an “ability to overcome fear and to spot opportunity in adversity”.

Entries can be made in any one of three categories: Emerging, Industry and International. A nominee must be an owner-manager in charge of an enterprise that is at least two years old, and anybody can make the nomination.

A shortlist for the awards, chaired by Aer Arann chairman Pádraig Ó Céidigh, will be drawn up in May. Finalists will take part in a CEO retreat in India, with the overall winner representing Ireland at the World Entrepreneur of the Year finals in Monte Carlo.

The contest is supported by The Irish Times,RTÉ, Enterprise Ireland, Invest NI and Newstalk. Interested parties can source entry forms on www.eoy.ie, or by calling 01-221 2250.