JEDDAH – EY has announced the launch of the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2014 award in Saudi Arabia. The program celebrates the success of entrepreneurs who build and lead successful, growing and dynamic businesses. The event has been running for 27 years in 140 cities across 50 countries. Ahmed Reda, Office Managing Partner, Jeddah and Entrepreneur Of The Year Leader at EY said: “I'm delighted that this year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program will be running in Saudi Arabia for the first time. Globally, every year the Entrepreneur Of The Year award gives entrepreneurs the recognition they deserve. Even in the most challenging times, these business pioneers are looking for opportunity and continue to proactively take calculated risks to grow. This is a trait that we celebrate and a value that we espouse. The program also demonstrates EY's commitment to fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship which in fact drives the engines of economic growth in these unusual times.” This year, EY decided to run the Entrepreneur of the Year award in Saudi Arabia and focus on the SMEs in line with the Kingdom's strategy as they are the main supporter of the Kingdom's economy. In addition, EY seek to highlight the best entrepreneurs and give them the opportunity to accelerate their growth process through developing an excellent operating framework or merging with other enterprises. This year an Emerging Entrepreneur Of The Year trophy will be awarded to the leader of a company that has been operating for over two years and whose business is starting to make a real impact. The selected entrepreneur will represent Saudi Arabia at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year event in Monte Carlo in June 2014. This program has won the admiration of many government and private sector entities, which led them to sponsor the 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year award. Those sponsors include the Human Resource Development Fund, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Saudi Fransi Capital, and Endeavor. To be eligible for consideration, nominees must be owners and managers who are primarily responsible for the recent performance of a privately held business that is at least two years old. Awards are given to entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence and extraordinary success in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Self-nominations are encouraged and there is no fee to enter. To apply, entrants may contact EY's Jeddah Office at +966 (12) 221-8400 or email [email protected]. – SG
