What are the Australian Young Entrepreneur Awards?
The Young Entrepreneur Awards is an annual initiative that recognises and celebrates outstanding young entrepreneurs across Australia who have made significant contributions to the economy and created job opportunities in their communities.
Who can nominate someone for a Young Entrepreneur Award?
Anyone can nominate a young entrepreneur who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, between the ages of 18 and 39, and who has founded and operated an innovative business.
What are the eligibility requirements for the awards?
Nominees must be Australian citizen or permanent residents between the ages of 18 and 39, and they must have founded a business with its head office in Australia.
I am a franchisee; can I still nominate?
Unfortunately, no. While we acknowledge the hard work and dedication that goes into running a franchise these awards are for entrepreneurs who have built an original business from the ground up.
What are the benefits of winning a Young Entrepreneur Award?
Winning a Young Entrepreneur Award can be a game-changer for your business, providing you with the recognition, connections, and exposure you need to take it to the next level.
It’s also a fantastic recognition of your hard work and dedication as an entrepreneur. It's an official stamp of approval on your business, which can help you gain credibility and attract investors and customers.
In addition to recognition, winning an award can also provide you with invaluable connections. You'll have the chance to meet with other young entrepreneurs and industry leaders, creating new business connections that could lead to future collaborations and partnerships.
Plus, it will give you exposure and publicity, helping you to raise your profile and build your brand. Your story will be shared on Business News Australia's news site, inspiring others and showing the world what's possible when people pursue their dreams.
Overall, winning an award can help to build credibility and establish a reputation as a leader in your industry, leading to increased respect and admiration from peers and potential investors. Other benefits can include access to resources, mentorship, and support from the Young Entrepreneur Awards network and sponsors.
How do I submit a nomination?
Nominations can be submitted through the online nomination form on the Young Entrepreneur Awards website. Nominations open on 1 July, 2023.
What is the deadline for submitting a nomination?
The deadlines for submitting a nomination for the 2023 Young Entrepreneur Awards are as follows - Brisbane and Gold Coast 31st July 2023 - Melbourne and Sydney 31st August 2023 - all other regions 30th September 2023.
How are the award winners selected?
Award winners are selected by a panel of judges who evaluate the nominees based on their financial performance, innovation, community impact, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit.
What is the judging criteria?
Though not an exhaustive list, these are some criteria the judges will evaluate your application on:
Financial Performance: Turnovers and growth are important, but so is the sustainability of the business model. How mature is your company and where does current growth sit in that timeline?
Disruption: Is your business a leader or pioneer in its field and/or is it disruptive? In some instances disruption may need to be measured more by the way the business operates rather than by a specific technology that gives it a competitive edge. Is it staying ahead of the curve through disruption?
Entrepreneurial Spirit: What is your vision? Do you demonstrate personal commitment in the face of adversity? Do you show a lack of fear through a belief in the business and in themselves?
Vision: It is usually a given that entrepreneurs have vision, but it's also important to see how that vision has become reality.
Community Impact: What sort of impact is your business making through jobs, work environment and even inspiring others to greatness?
What Award categories does the Young Entrepreneur Awards have?
The award categories for the 2023 Young Entrepreneur Awards are:
Arts & Culture
Digital Disruptor
Fashion & Design
Finance
Fitness
Food & Beverage
Health & Medicine
Hospitality & Tourism
Legal
Manufacturing, Wholesale & Distribution
Marketing
PR, Media & Events
Professional Services
Property & Construction
Retail & Services
Specialist Services
Startup
Sustainability & Social Responsibility
Technology
Trailblazer
Can I nominate for more than one category?
Yes, you can nominate for as many categories as you see fit.
What if my category is not there?
For the most part, our categories encompass most sub-sectors of the business landscape. If for whatever reason you feel you do not fit into a category that is available, please select one or more categories that you feel is the most appropriate. If you wish, please state a category that reflects your business segment for us to consider.
What if I do not live in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney or the Gold Coast?
If you are a finalist from outside of these cities you will be given the opportunity to be a finalist in the National Young Entrepreneur Awards.
Can I win more than one award?
Yes, it is possible that you can win multiple category awards. All finalists are also up for the Trailblazer Award and the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Can I nominate myself for an award?
Yes, you will need to nominate yourself for the Young Entrepreneur Awards.
Can I nominate someone else for an award?
Yes, anyone can nominate a young entrepreneur for an award.
The Young Entrepreneur Awards has 20 award categories that recognise outstanding young entrepreneurs in various business sectors, including emerging, social, tech, retail and services, export, hospitality and tourism, property and construction, creative, and professional services.
The Young Entrepreneur Awards initiative aims to identify and celebrate outstanding young business talent in Queensland, providing a platform for recognition and collaboration. The program has several goals, including:
1. Unearthing and celebrate Young Business Talent
2. Inspiring and encourage other young people to pursue their business ideas, promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
3. Building a community of like-minded people, bringing them together.
4. Boost confidence in entrepreneurship
5. Fostering innovation, collaboration, and best business practises
6. Attracting investment to finalists' businesses, providing opportunities for growth and expansion.
7. Connect participants with government programs and initiatives, provide access to resources and support that can help young entrepreneurs grow their businesses
8. Contribute to the growth of the economy and job creation.
I do not want to provide financial information; can I still enter?
You will need to complete the financial section to be able to be part of the awards. If you are pre-revenue, please state this in your application. Your financial information is treated as confidential. No information will be published or used publicly.
What if my business is pre-revenue, can I still win an award?
Absolutely! We are looking for businesses that show incredible growth potential. Entrepreneurs with pre-revenue businesses have won awards in the past.
What if I have not finalised my financials yet?
If that is the case, please just supply us with a draft profit and loss statement.
Do I need to submit a profit and loss statement?
Yes, if you are a finalist we will ask you to submit a P&L statement.
Do I have to pay to enter the competition?
No, it is free to enter the competition. The only price you have to pay is for tickets to the fantastic Award night.
Are tickets to the Award night free for finalists?
No, as this is a Gala Dinner event with food, alcohol and entertainment, we have to charge to cover our costs.
What is your policy on Commercial Confidence?
All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence and will only be viewed by the judging panel. We have strict confidentiality agreements internally and with our judges, to ensure all information is treated in complete confidence. Information for marketing collateral for the Awards and articles for Business News Australia's news site will be requested separately and therefore agreed by you.
Can I attend the Awards even if I am not a finalist?
Yes, we absolutely encourage you to come and attend the Gala event. Everyone is on a different stage of their entrepreneurial journey, and if your journey has just started this is a wonderful opportunity to meet likeminded peers and to fast-track your growth, allowing you to build a network, and there may even be business opportunities for you should the cards fall in your favour.
How can I contact the Young Entrepreneur Awards team for more information?
For more information about the Young Entrepreneur Awards, please contact the team through the contact form on the Young Entrepreneur Awards website or email at [email protected]
Quite simply our mission is to find and recognise young business talent in Australia.
