Hunter Young Business Mind Awards

The 2019 Hunter Young Business Mind Awards

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Hunter Young Business Mind Awards - Background

The inaugural Hunter Young Business Mind Awards (HYBMA) in 2017 were the first steps in creating a program to connect and energise the next generation of creators, innovators, entrepreneurs and business leaders in our region.

The concept was driven by the Hunter region's Local Chambers of Commerce and business leaders who saw the importance of igniting and building greater relationships and connections between industry, business, educators, parents and young people.

The initiative was supported by the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business through their Hunter Futurepreneurs Program.

Now in its third year, the HYBMA has already unearthed lots of creative thinking and great ideas, some with genuine commercial potential.

Whether you ENTER or SUPPORT HYBMA, you'll be helping to build the future of our region.

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The outcomes so far

Connections made

Connections

Greater connections and relationships were formed between business, industry and the regions educators, parents and youth.

Ideas energised

New businesses created

Next generation creators and innovators were identified and supported to bring their ideas, innovations and business ideas to life.

Support given

Business Helped Out

Businesses and organisations from around the region supported the Awards program and wanted to continue supporting and being part of it into the future.

Future proofed

We have a team

An energetic team of business and industry leaders, who are committed to taking the Young Business Mind Awards program to the next level.

“The awards were a great opportunity to meet and form friendships with other young innovators from around the region. The support and opportunities after the awards night have helped us to make new contacts and learn a lot more about bringing our business to life.”

Tyler Read - Orchard School Systems, HYBMA 2017 Runner Up

"Congratulations on the event and project! Honestly, I was awe inspired by the remarkable achievements being recognised. I am so proud of Varley Group for getting in on the ground floor, we really must support our future entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders. Well done to the Hunter Young Business Mind Awards team!"

Janet Dobbie - HR Manager, Varley Group, HYBMA Business Supporter 2017

"Newcastle Senior School's winning of the Hunter Young Business Minds award in 2017 for our "Chances" program has validated the achievements gained by our students through the program and provided recognition to all involved in making the program such a success.”

Terri Scott - Assistant Principal, Newcastle, Senior School HYBMA 2017 - 1st Place in school/classroom award

“Extraordinary technological change is creating many exciting opportunities for the next batch of young business minds. Acknowledging the best and brightest is critical to the future success of the Hunter region and the Hunter Young Business Mind Awards does just that.”

Tim Cotter - Regional Manager, Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

“Harvey Norman was thrilled to be a part of this program. Harvey Norman is built on entrepreneurship and showing initiative in a challenging environment, so it’ stands to reason we need more people with great ideas.”

Nick Swanson -  Proprietor, Harvey Norman, AV/IT Maitland Superstore, HYBMA Major Sponsors 2017

2019 and beyond

The Hunter Young Business Mind Awards team and supporters are working towards having the program engage our NextGens in the ongoing transformation and development of the Hunter economy and its society. We will deliver programs which:

Encourage New Ideas

Stimulate innovation, generate new entrepreneurial initiatives and tap the potential of our young people to generate new ideas to benefit society and our communities.

Champion Contribution

Celebrate our youth for identifying a problem, coming up with a solution and then having the confidence to present their ideas and solutions to others.

Continue Connecting

Build and maintain stronger connections and relationships between business, industry, educators and parents to support our NextGen innovators and creators.

What's new In 2019

Expanding imaginations

Rather than specific areas, we've expanded the awards categories to encourage a broad range of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurialism in all age groups from primary school to University.

WHAT’S YOUR BIG IDEA?

It could be…

  • A cool idea for a new business or product
  • A clever way to solve an existing problem
  • A creative project to benefit your community or school.

The only limit is your imagination!

More opportunities for Business to get involved

This years awards program will see more opportunities for business, industry, government and community organisations to be involved in supporting the program outcomes.

Business Supporter opportunities