Elisabetta Franchi, sole director of Betty Blue, is the national winner of the twenty-fourth edition of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award “for her courage, tenacity and constant commitment to a brand dedicated to quality, craftsmanship and international fame” .
The rules of the award and its value for SMEs
The recognition is reserved for Italian entrepreneurs leading companies with a turnover of at least 25 million euros, “Who have been able to create value, with an innovative spirit and strategic vision, contributing to the growth of the economy, demonstrating courage, innovation and transformation in an unprecedented moment”. The sector of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in fact contributes to 76% of employment and 64% of the country’s added value, remember the EY data. The impact of Covid has been partially mitigated by the support of the policy measures adopted (over 50% of small and medium-sized enterprises have been able to access available government support), but SMEs must be ready to face the challenges of the future by seizing the growth opportunities.
The motivations of EY
An edition with a particular significance, that of 2021, explains Massimo Antonelli, ceo of EY in Italy and coo of EY Europe West (in the photo above): “In a moment of great transformation like the one we are experiencing, we are proud to reward and support the Italian entrepreneurship that, with courage, resilience and innovation, has managed to anticipate big changes, influence the speed of transformation processes by focusing on new values. It is a unique moment for our country in which growth estimates are also revised upwards and we estimate GDP growth of + 6.4% for 2021, confirming a strong dynamic in domestic demand. We now have the unique opportunity to accelerate this transformation and to design a new future for the country, companies and people thanks to a structural and sustainable growth “.
The winner’s reaction
Great satisfaction from Elisabetta Franchi (pictured above): «I am honored by this important recognition that rewards the path of growth, commitment and courage that our brand has faced. I would like to thank all those who have contributed to achieving this goal which confirms that the quality, craftsmanship, tailoring of Made in Italy fashion, combined with an international vision in an ethical and sustainable perspective, represent key values of our brand “.
The entrepreneur’s commitment to animals
Elisabetta Franchi has always been involved in the defense of dogs and animals in general. Just yesterday, the day of the awards ceremony, the celebration between Genuina Pet Food – a young Italian company specializing in natural products for dogs made with ingredients originally suitable for human consumption, already cooked and ready for use – and Elisabetta Franchi Foundation , born from the desire of the entrepreneur to incorporate in a single project the numerous initiatives personally supported in the defense of animal rights.
In view of Christmas Genuina Pet and the Foundation have embarked on a new charity initiative. The company will concretely contribute to supporting the Elisabetta Franchi Foundation thanks to all the orders placed on e-commerce until 13 December, by donating a percentage of the proceeds to the non-profit organization. A project that fully supports the daily commitment of the Foundation, which, for example, has joined the FUR FREE RETAIL PROGRAM of LAV (one of the most important Italian associations in defense of animals) and gives daily support to many kennels lacking basic goods. needs and many volunteers who every day save thousands of dogs from certain death from the street. Do not forget the DOG HOSPITALITY project which, in 2013, led the company led by Elisabetta Franchi to become the first in Italy to open the doors to employees’ animals.