THEY'RE young, ambitious and building their own empires - they are the city's top young entrepreneurs, and they will be unveiled tonight at the 2014 Gold Coast Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
Celebrating the achievements of the Gold Coast’s most influential under 40-year-olds, more than 200 business-minded men and woman will converge at Jupiter’s Casino for a night of entertainment but only one will take out the top title – the 2014 Gold Coast Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
All finalists have made a significant mark on the Gold Coast economy, showcasing determination and enthusiasm, and collectively generating more than $210 million in combined annual revenue.
Hosted by Rob Molhoek MP, member for Southport and assistant minister for planning reform, the night will celebrate the success of home-grown talent and provide inspiration for other Gold Coasters considering starting their own business.
“The Gold Coast is the birth place of many inspiring business leaders and it is great to have an event solely dedicated to young, up and coming talent,” says Molhoek.
“It is great to see young entrepreneurs turning their innovative ideas into reality and forging new paths which are reaping rich rewards.
“I am proud to be part of an event that is celebrating those who are making their mark on the local economy and contributing to a bigger, brighter Gold Coast.”
Among the list of finalists is Luke McNally (Mass Nutrition), Chris Bolger and Adam Lacey (Onyx Property Group), Marissa Bowden and Sarah Schoeller (The Village Markets), Michelle Merrifield (Essence of Living), Simon Gloftis (The Fish House and Hellenika) and Shaun Rose (Rose Litigation Lawyers).
The finalist categories include Digital and Technology; Health and Fitness; Manufacturing, Wholesale and Distribution; Professional Services; Property and Construction; Retail and Services; Tourism, Hospitality and Events; and Innovation.
For the first time, category winners will be announced in addition to an overall winner of the 2014 Gold Coast Young Entrepreneur of the Year title.
An initiative of Business News Australia, previous winners include Zarraffa's Coffee founder Kenton Campbell, former owner of Crazy Ron’s mobile phone retail chains Ron Bakir, Ignite Travel Group founder Randall Deer and Unit Clothing founders Paul and Ian Everest.
To book your ticket to the Gold Coast Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards, call 07 5575 7400.
The event will start at 6.30pm and feature live music from Gas Grooves.
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