For local young business minds there is no greater opportunity to flourish than through the Hunter Young Business Mind Awards, which are now accepting entries.
The awards recognise budding entrepreneurs, under twenty five, and give students in school, university and TAFE the opportunity to show off their business ideas and acumen.
Tomaree High School student, Tyler Regan, received a boost in 2017 when he entered his own idea into the inaugural Hunter Young Business Minds Award and won $1000 to invest in the business.
Not only is he studying hard for the HSC, but he’s also established his own business, Orchard School Systems.
For Tyler, the cash injection was invaluable but so too were the connections he was able to make with the business community.
Winning the award introduced Tyler to the Hunter Futurepreneurs Program through which he continues to receive mentoring and support to make his business a reality.
Cheryl Royle, Hunter Futurepreneurs Facilitator and Chairperson of the Hunter Young Business Mind Award Committee has been delighted with Tyler’s progress.
“Tyler’s success really represents what the Hunter Young Business Mind Awards are all about – encouraging students in the Hunter to think like entrepreneurs, to express their creativity and develop the self-confidence to present their ideas and bring them to fulfilment,” Cheryl said.
Cheryl went on to say that Tyler’s was just one of many great ideas unearthed by the awards so far, with many entries that have genuine commercial potential.
“It’s just so important to help our young entrepreneurs and business leaders of the future develop the skills they need to thrive in the new employment environment,” she said.
“I would strongly encourage local businesses to get involved with the awards by becoming a Local Business Supporter. It’s a small but important investment in the future of our region and its youth.”
As for Tyler’s advice for young people thinking about entering the Hunter Young Business Mind Awards, he believes that it is worthwhile giving it a go.
“There aren’t many things like this out there for young people, so any young person with a business or creative idea, even if it’s just the spark of an idea, should have a go. It’s easy to enter!” he said.
Entries are now open for the 2019 Hunter Young Business Mind Awards, with categories for Primary and Secondary schools, as well as TAFE and University students under twenty-five years of age.
IMAGE | Tyler Regan, the 2017 Hunter Young Business Mind Award winner
