A highlight for Liechtenstein as an economic location in the year 2013: as part of the Liechtenstein Entrepreneur of the Year competition, the search is on for business people with initiative, vision and innovation as of 1 February.
A highlight for Liechtenstein as an economic location in the year 2013: as part of the Liechtenstein Entrepreneur of the Year competition, the search is on for business people with initiative, vision and innovation as of 1 February.
Held twice successfully
This prestigious award is sponsored by the government of the Principality of Liechtenstein, the University of Liechtenstein and Ernst & Young Ltd. “Today’s entrepreneur will be successful if he accepts responsibility, has the guts to take calculated risks and demonstrates creativity and innovation while at the same time looking after his employees,” explains Deputy Prime Minister Martin Meyer.
Deputy Prime Minister Martin Meyer: “We want to support these entrepreneurs as they are actively promoting Liechtenstein as a location.”
The competition was first run in Liechtenstein 2009 and 2011 and deemed a real success. “Not least the huge range of potential candidates is an impressive testimonial to Liechtenstein as an economic location,” reports Urs Baldegger from the Institute for Entrepreneurship at the University of Liechtenstein.
Urs Baldegger from the Institute for Entrepreneurship at the University of Liechtenstein at the media conference for the Liechtenstein Entrepreneur of the Year competition.
The first Liechtenstein Entrepreneur of the Year was Harti Weirather in 2009. He is the owner and Managing Director of the sports marketing agency WWP Weirather-Wenzel & Partner AG.
The two owners of Frommelt Zimmerei und Ing. Holzbau AG, Christoph and Anton Frommelt, were awarded the title of Liechtenstein Entrepreneur of the Year in 2011.
Part of an international network
The competition is now being launched for a third time on 1 February 2013. The Liechtenstein competition is part of Ernst & Young Ltd.’s global search for top entrepreneurial achievements. The hunt for the Entrepreneur of the Year takes place in over 50 countries every year, with a total of 10,000 candidates taking part. As a particular high point, one winner from each country – including the winner from Liechtenstein – is offered a unique opportunity to take part in the World Entrepreneur of the Year competition in Monte Carlo, in the spring of the following year. They are also included in the Hall of Fame of the best entrepreneurs in the world. “So by taking part, all candidates are acting as a strong representative of Liechtenstein as a company location. In this respect, we are hoping to receive many applications,” explains Heinrich Christen from Ernst & Young Ltd.
Rolf Jermann, Head of Commercial Banking at VP Bank, one of the main sponsors of the competition, at the prize-giving ceremony in 2012.
Company stake required
International networking is also one of the most important promotional aspects. Taking part in the competition creates access to a unique network of companies in Liechtenstein and all over the world. It gives candidates access not only to local networking events, but also to various international networking platforms in 2013, including the Entrepreneurs Only! networking event from 28 to 30 June and a study trip to South Africa for entrepreneurs between 5 and 9 November.
Entrepreneurs from all sectors (industry, trade, services including financial services) are eligible to take part in the Entrepreneur of the Year programme in Liechtenstein. The prerequisites for participation include a minimum of five employees and an annual turnover of CHF 1 million. The entrepreneur must also hold a significant stake in the company, and the company’s head office must be in Liechtenstein.
The winner will be named at a gala evening at the SAL hall in Schaan on 18 October 2013.
The winner of the Liechtenstein competition will also receive some very attractive prizes. These include several-day trips to Monte Carlo and Palm Springs for the winner and a companion and various material prizes, including a luxury watch and the use of a prestige car.
Prominent jury
After being accepted as candidates, all nominees are subjected to a rigorous interview. Following the jury interviews and company visits, an independent jury will select the Entrepreneur of the Year in Liechtenstein. The jury is made up as follows: Holger Dahmen, CEO of Wolford AG, Ulrich Dörnhaus, CEO of Doernhaus Consulting GmbH, Anton Frommelt, co-owner of Frommelt Zimmerei, Peter Gerner, CEO Heating Technology of Hoval AG, Reto Gurtner, President of the Weisse Arena Gruppe Management Board, Katharina Lehmann, owner of Blumer-Lehmann AG, Klaus Risch, Head of Global HR at Hilti AG, and Magnus Tuor, Managing Director of Messtechnik AG.
Further information on the Liechtenstein Entrepreneur of the Year award can be found at www.uni.li/eoy.