Ned Goodman, CEO of Dundee Wealth Management Inc., is in the running for the title of national entrepreneur of the year.

Goodman has been named the recipient of the Ontario region Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2004 award and will compete with top entrepreneurs from the Pacific, Prairies, Quebec and Atlantic regions for the national honour, to be announced Nov. 4 in Ottawa.

Goodman also received one of 11 industry category awards (in the financial advisory service provider category) presented Oct. 7 in Toronto.

“By drawing on his extensive business experience, Ned Goodman created a unique company that successfully combined investment management and financial advisory services,” said Joe Telebar, national and Ontario director of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program. “His full-service strategy has changed retail investing in Canada and has been copied by his much-larger competitors. Mr. Goodman brings together vision and opportunity, teamwork and leadership, and integrity and influence — he is a true entrepreneur.”

Goodman formed Dundee Wealth Management Inc. in 1999 through his holding company and a number of acquisitions. He has degrees from McGill University and the University of Toronto and earned his CFA designation in 1967. Goodman is the founder and benefactor of the Goodman Institute of Investment Management at Concordia University and he received an honorary Doctorate of Laws from the university in 1997.

He is involved in and contributes to a number of philanthropic organizations, including the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews, Junior Achievement of Canada and the Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation.

In June 2005, Canada’s Entrepreneur Of The Year will move on to the world stage, joining more than 30 country recipients participating in the international competition for the title of World Entrepreneur Of The Year.