About Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year - Jordan

I get contacted by PR agencies quite often to plug product launches and stuff like that for 360east, and I usually decline, unless its something that really interests me. So here is one of those :-)

We’ve all been engulfed in the news of political change that is sweeping the region this year. But you know what? Jordan’s entrepreneurs are still plugging away, starting and building businesses. So it’s time to shine some light on them before we turn our attention to the next Arab revolution!

Ernst and Young, the big global consulting firm has been giving out an ‘Entrepreneur of Year Award’ for over two decades. This year the Award is being given out in 135 cities in 50 countries. Jordan is one of them.

The people shortlisted in Jordan this year represent an interesting mix of Jordan’s dynamic businesses. As expected, technology firms are well represented. But we’re seeing more specialization in the field. It’s no longer just your typical system integrators and software houses. Digital content, gaming and innovative web portals are emerging as viable businesses in Jordan.

But it’s not just about tech, web and content. We’re seeing successes in the fields of medical testing, pharmaceuticals, consulting and retail too.

I will be attending the award ceremony next monday and maybe doing some live-tweeing, to let you know who ends up being selected as the über-entrepreneur in Jordan for 2010. :-)

I am by no means a big fan of the concept of awards and award shows. Passionate people do what they do because they feel it fulfills an inner calling or a mission to change the world, not to get awards. But I think that for all the talk about entrepreneurship in the region the past couple of years, we still need more people starting companies and growing them if we ever hope to push our economies forward. So celebrating people who are creating value locally, creating employment for a new generation and following their dream can’t be a bad thing.

See you at the Oscars :-)

Here is Ernst & Young PR:

Nine business leaders in Jordan have been short-listed as finalists in Jordan’s Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award 2010. The winner will be announced at the prestigious award ceremony being held under the Royal Patronage on 18th of April 2011, and will represent Jordan at the World Entrepreneur of the Year Award to be held in June 2011. The Entrepreneur of the Year program reflects Ernst & Young’s commitment to promoting the spirit of entrepreneurship, which is a major driving force of economic growth. The program celebrates entrepreneurs who are leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses in

The Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year event is held in 140 cities across 50 countries and has been running for 23 years globally.

To be eligible for consideration, nominees must be owners and managers who are primarily responsible for the recent performance of a business that is at least two years old, or founder shareholders of a listed company who are still active in senior management or are still a 51% owner.

The short-listed candidates include: Dr. Amjad Aryan, of Pharmacy1; Dr. Amid Abdelnour of Biolabs; Ammar Sajdi of Realsoft; Abeer Qumsieh of Better Business; Dr. Fadi and Dr. Mohammad Al-Atrash of API; Firas Otaibi, Mohammad Asfour and Wael Attili of Kharabeesh; Marwan Said of e-Points; Mahmoud Khasawneh and Candide Kirk of Quirkat; and Omar Koudsi and Laith Zraikat of Jeeran.com.

The winner is selected by an independent panel of judges. The judging process is based on the criteria of entrepreneurial spirit, financial performance, strategic direction, impact on Jordan’s economy, innovation, personal integrity and influence.

Waddah Barkawi, Partner and Jordan’s Entrepreneur of the Year leader at Ernst & Young, said: “The program recognizes and rewards Jordanian entrepreneurs who in pursuing their vision contribute to local innovation and economic growth, while creating employment opportunities for Jordanians.”


Posted

in

, ,

by

Tags:

Comments

One response to “Who will be Jordan’s entrepreneur of the year?”

  1. kinzi Avatar
    kinzi

    I nominated Abeer Qumsieh of Better Business, known her since she was an inspirational teen and she hasn’t ceased inspiring me.