Dr Amid Abdelnour, CEO of Biolab, was selected as one of nine business leaders in Jordan that 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 Jordan. 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 Biolab; 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.” About Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year  Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs.

The award makes a difference through the unique way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement.

As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.