In fall 2026, the Entrepreneur Of The Year award will be presented in Liechtenstein for the seventh time. Entrepreneurs can now apply to take part in this prestigious competition. All participants will benefit from the exchange of experiences and networking opportunities.

The competition is aimed at innovative and committed entrepreneurs and is part of a year-round program run in over 60 countries worldwide, offering exchange, networking, and increased visibility within a strong entrepreneurial network. In Liechtenstein, the award is organized jointly by the government and the auditing and consulting firm EY. The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year recognizes outstanding entrepreneurial achievements – from SMEs to large companies. Applications are now being accepted until June 30, 2026. The award ceremony will then take place during a gala event on September 18, 2026, at the SAL in Schaan.

Liechtenstein's Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Büchel emphasizes the importance of the competition: "Entrepreneurs with innovative strength, foresight, and a personal willingness to take risks are the key drivers of economic growth in Liechtenstein. Especially in challenging times, such a competition is a particularly valuable, internationally recognized tribute to entrepreneurial excellence."

Entrepreneurial personalities from all industries wanted

Entrepreneurs from all industries can apply for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Liechtenstein 2026 award. To be eligible, applicants must have at least ten employees and an annual turnover of at least one million Swiss francs. The entrepreneur must hold a significant stake in the company, and the company's headquarters must be located in Liechtenstein. The current award winner is Patrick Spieldiener from Intamin Amusement Rides in Schaan.

"Every candidate sends a strong signal about Liechtenstein as a business location by participating. The competition gives all participants access to regional and international networking and knowledge platforms," says Iwan Zimmermann, Head of EY Liechtenstein. Interested parties can now apply for the Entrepreneur Award – the relevant documents can be found at www.eoy.li.

Prominent jury

Once they have been accepted as candidates, the nominees are interviewed by interviewers. An independent jury then selects the Entrepreneur of the Year in Liechtenstein after conducting interviews with the nominees and visiting their companies. The jury is made up of entrepreneurs and prominent figures from the region. These include Princess Gisela Bergmann, Industrie- und Finanzkontor; Michèle Hilti-Frey, Hilti AG; Markus Kaiser, Kaiser AG; Mirjam Hummel-Ortner, WWP Group; Reto Gurtner, Weisse Arena Group; Hans-Werner Gassner, Swiss Bankers Association; and Martin Risch, Dr. Risch Group.

Attractive prices and valuable networks

It is not only the strong networks that make participating in the competition worthwhile – it is beneficial for companies of all sizes. "Participating is one of the best – and free – strategy checks for your own company," says Christoph J. Frick, Head of Consulting at EY Liechtenstein. The competition also boosts the visibility of Liechtenstein as a business location and that of the participating companies. A special prize awaits the winner: in addition to non-cash prizes, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Liechtenstein will represent the Principality at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year awards in Monaco in 2027.

Further information is available at www.eoy.li