Entrepreneurs invited to participate in Ernst & Young programme

AMMAN — Ernst & Young Jordan (EY) has invited entrepreneurs from different sectors in the country to take part in its Entrepreneur of the Year programme, which helps winners network and build valuable relationships with peers and mentors across the world.

Those wishing to apply can obtain nominations by sending an e-mail to jordan.eoy@jo.ey.com. 

The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday, Waddah Barkawi, partner at EY Jordan and Entrepreneur of the Year country leader for Jordan, said on Saturday.

Entrepreneurs in all sectors are eligible to compete for the programme, Barkawi told The Jordan Times.

“The EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme aims to recognise the vision, imagination and accomplishments of these inspiring men and women by celebrating the most exceptional among them,” he added. 

“The programme is now held annually in 145 cities across 60 countries, and is considered the first and only truly global award of its kind.”

To be eligible for consideration, Entrepreneur of the Year category candidates must be entrepreneurs who have maintained professional success over a sustained period of time; be owners and founders of a business that has been in operation for a minimum of five years; be directly responsible for their company’s daily operations and success; and have a significant equity shareholding in their organisation, which should employ at least 30 people and be making a profit. 

In turn, Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year category candidates must have brought a new innovative idea to the market; be owners/founders of a business that enjoys stable financing; be directly responsible for their company’s daily operations and success; have a significant equity shareholding in their enterprise; and run a firm that has been in operation for over two years and employs a minimum of 10 employees. 

For both categories, the business must be based in Jordan, or originated from the Kingdom, or have its headquarters or operations in the country. 

A new category was introduced this year for the EY Family Business Award of Excellence, according to Barkawi.

The finalists of the first two categories will be announced in mid-March, and the winners will be announced in April alongside the recipient of the EY Family Business Award of Excellence, he said.

The winners will join an “elite global alumni network” and gain access to EY industry events and activities, Barkawi added.

“The programme provides them with a platform to talk openly to other entrepreneurs, judges and business leaders from all sectors and backgrounds, and establish contacts that benefit their companies,” he said.

“The winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year category will also represent Jordan at the World Entrepreneur of the Year event in Monte Carlo, which is scheduled to take place in June 2014.”

About 60 country winners from across the globe will compete for this title.

“Entrepreneurs are behind many of the world’s most dynamic and successful high-growth businesses, introducing products, services and best practices that drive innovation, shape market trends, create jobs and contribute to economic growth in their countries,” Barkawi stressed.