Three WA entrepreneurs have been recognised at this year's Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards in Sydney.
Pankaj Oswal of Burrup Fertilisers, one of the world's largest, single train merchant ammonia plants, was the young entrepreneur award winner.
John Borshoff of Paladin Energy, the second largest pure play uranium mining company in Australia and Canada and the eighth largest mineral resource company in Australia, received the listed category award.
Andrew and Nicola Forrest, cofounders and directors of the Australian Children's Trust, established with the philosophy of helping people gain the skills necessary to help themselves, won in the social entrepreneur category.
Paul Cave, chair of the independent judging panel, spoke highly of each of the WA winners.
"Pankaj impressed with his vision, which he maintained regardless of the obstacles," he said in a statement.
"He has identified a market segment and created something no-one else could."
Mr Cave also recognised the hard work of Mr Borschoff.
"It is (Mr Borshoff's) knowledge and pure tenacity that have been fundamental to his business success." Mr Cave said.
Commenting on Andrew and Nicole Forrest's win, Mr Cave said "they are doing great work- 15,000 jobs have already been committed".
"Nicola and Andrew Forrest have committed time and effort to (the Australian Children's Trust), and Andrew has added his entrepreneurial vision and convinced a lot of other companies to commit to that vision" he said.
Greg Roebuck founder and chief executive of online automotive classifieds carsales.com was the overall winner of the awards.
Mr Roebuck will represent Australia at the 2010 World Entrepreneur of the Year
awards held in Monte Carlo.