Liechtenstein is once again celebrating its thriving entrepreneurial spirit with the seventh edition of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year award. Business owners across the Principality are invited to apply for this prestigious recognition, with applications open until June 30, 2026. The winner will be announced at a formal gala ceremony on September 18, 2026, at the SAL in Schaan.
A Prestigious International Program
The Entrepreneur Of The Year award is part of a globally recognized program conducted in over 60 countries worldwide. In Liechtenstein, the award is jointly organized by the Liechtenstein government and the audit and consulting firm EY. The competition honors outstanding entrepreneurial performance, from small and medium-sized enterprises to large corporations.
Liechtenstein Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Büchel emphasized the importance of the competition: Entrepreneurs with innovative strength, foresight, and personal willingness to take risks are the central engine for economic growth in Liechtenstein. Especially in challenging times, such a competition is a particularly valuable, internationally recognized recognition of entrepreneurial excellence.
Who Can Apply?
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Liechtenstein 2026 is open to business leaders from all industries. To qualify, a company must have at least ten employees, generate annual revenue of at least one million Swiss francs, and have its headquarters in Liechtenstein. The participating entrepreneur must also hold a significant ownership stake in the business.
The current titleholder is Patrick Spieldiener of Intamin Amusement Rides in Schaan.
More Than Just an Award
According to Iwan Zimmermann, office head of EY Liechtenstein, every candidate makes a strong statement about Liechtenstein as a business location. The competition enables all participants to access regional as well as international networking and knowledge-sharing platforms.
Christoph J. Frick, head of Consulting at EY Liechtenstein, adds: Participation is one of the best and free strategy checks for your own company. The competition strengthens the visibility of Liechtenstein as a business location and that of the participating companies.
A Shot at the World Stage
The winner of the Entrepreneur Of The Year Liechtenstein 2026 will represent the Principality at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year competition in Monaco in 2027 — an incredible opportunity for any business leader.
A distinguished jury composed of prominent entrepreneurs and regional figures, including Princess Gisela Bergmann, Michèle Hilti-Frey of Hilti AG, and Reto Gurtner of Weisse Arena Group, will select the winner through interviews and company visits.
Interested entrepreneurs can find all application materials and additional information at www.eoy.li. Applications are open now and must be submitted by June 30, 2026.
With over 5,500 registered companies among a population of just over 41,000, Liechtenstein boasts one of the highest proportions of companies per capita in the world. This award is a testament to the Principality enduring culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Source: Liechtenstein Business (Liechtenstein Marketing)