The EY Entrepreneur of The Year competition, organized annually by EY, is an acknowledgement of entrepreneurs who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievements. In 2023, Jaana and Esko Hjelt from Lapuan Kankurit Oy were chosen as the Audience Favourite. ILOQ's Heikki Hiltunen and Mika Pukari were declared as the Growth Entrepreneurs of The Year at the gala held on the 27^th of October. Juho, Maria and Mikko Martikainen from Genelec Oy were awarded the Family Entrepreneur of the Year award, Izabella Lundberg from Airfi Oy Ab won the Start-up Entrepreneur of the Year award. The Finland Brand Award went to Janne Honkanen from Luxury Action Oy and Panu Pasanen from One Click LCA Oy won the EY Tech award.

All 10 finalists are amazing entrepreneurs and more than deserving of the Entrepreneur of the Year acknowledgement. "All our finalists are united in their drive to be the best in their field. The entire jury agreed that the level of the companies participating in the competition was really high. All competitors and finalists can be extremely proud of their achievements", says Leena Niemistö, the chairperson of the jury.

Jaana and Esko are grateful for the recognition. "Thank you to EY and all the voters! It is truly an honour to receive such a recognition. It is especially meaningful that the customers, in particular, appreciate the work we do."

Helsinki, October 27, 2023