Local high school and university students were recognised and given funding support for their business ideas at the 2022 Hunter Young Business Minds Awards.
Ten awards were handed out across five categories – four aged-based awards and a sustainability award. A special encouragement award was also passed out.
Business ideas ranged from a device to produce domestic energy from water, a program to use art to connect to communities and commercialise products, shark repellent products, water saving devices and a virtual booking system for health appointments.
Young Business Minds (YBM) Chairperson and the Australian Government’s appointed Hunter Entrepreneurship Facilitator, Cheryl Royle said the Hunter has some very talented up and coming business people.
Cheryl said encouraging entrepreneurship in young people is an important tool in diversifying the Hunter economy and creating employment for young people.
“There’s no reason why young people can’t establish a successful business,” Cheryl said.
“For some young people, establishing a business may be a better alternative to traditional employment.
“We want to empower the Hunter’s next generation of creators and innovators.”
The awards are in their fifth year and were sponsored by Newcastle Airport and Astra Aerolab. They were held at the 12N Innovation Hub Newcastle University on 7 December 2022.
Newcastle Airport CEO, Dr Peter Cock said part of the airport’s purpose of being the airport the region deserves is helping to grow and strengthen industry for the benefit of young people.
“Newcastle is fast becoming Australia’s largest and most mature innovation ecosystem outside of a capital city, with increased collaboration across industry, start-ups, local government, and the education sector,” Peter said.
“We are proud to be part of these awards. The upgrade and expansion of Newcastle Airport, and the development of Astra Aerolab – Australia’s premier location for Defence, aerospace and innovation – will move us from a regional centre to a truly global city with more capacity to support young people in our region.”
First prize winners received $1,000 while runners up banked $500, and the encouragement award winners received $250. Winning students also receive 12 months business support through the Hunter Futurepreneurs Business Mentoring Program.
YBM is a local not for profit organisation formed leaders in business and government to run the awards and support other activities to help develop creativity and entrepreneurship skills in the region’s youth.
IMAGE | Under 15 Award winner, Jahluvi Mtanda, and Under 18 Award winner, Georgia King.