Entrepreneur of the Year awards judging process Nominees are assessed by an independent panel of judges, who are captains of industry, leaders in their professions and academia, and previous Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year winners. Judges may not serve on a judging panel for longer than a period of three consecutive years. Ernst & Young is not represented on any judging panel. The independent judging panels across Australia, and around the world, assess each Entrepreneur Of The Year nominee using the following six criteria: Entrepreneurial spirit Setting high standards and demonstrating a desire to be successful Taking risks and overcoming significant obstacles Demonstrating perserverance and learning from experience Innovation Pioneering new approaches or technologies Ability to adapt and develop products/services ahead of the market Building a culture of innovation and investing in research and development Personal integrity and influence Personal values and approach to relationships with staff, clients, suppliers and colleagues Experience as a role model, mentor and/or advisor to others Personal involvement in the wider community Financial performance Strength of financial performance and track record in raising equity and debt finance Strategies for managing cash flow and ensuring long term sustainability Growth in financial results and reinvestments of profit Strategic direction Developing a vision and setting goals for future growth and expansion Building an effective team (eg. staff, directors, advisors) and strategic alliances National and global impact Achieving substantial market share Extent of expansion into national and international markets Plans to enable international growth and increased impact Measuring and benchmarking progress against goals