Young Business Mind Awards 2025 – Igniting the Next Generation of Innovators and Entrepreneurs
- Liane Morris
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
The Young Business Mind Awards (YBMA) are back for 2025, and Career Links is calling on the Hunter’s next generation of entrepreneurs, problem-solvers and creative thinkers to pitch their big ideas for a chance to win prizes, mentorship and recognition.
Since 2017, YBMA has celebrated innovation among primary and secondary students across the Hunter region — inspiring young people to think like entrepreneurs and develop the confidence to present their business, product, or community solution to real-world judges. In 2024, the awards attracted over 150 students and teachers from 13 local schools.
With entries now open, students from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, and the Upper and Lower Hunter are invited to submit a short video pitch showcasing their innovation, startup, community project, or sustainable solution. Teachers are also encouraged to enter their own classroom innovations.
Career Links CEO, John Purcell, said this year’s program will continue to shine a light on the region’s youngest changemakers.
“Every year, we’re blown away by the ideas, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit shown by local students. YBMA is more than a competition – it’s a launchpad for real-world opportunities, with mentorship and support continuing long after the awards night,” he said.
To help schools get involved, Career Links Events Manager, Amber Glasper, is available to visit local schools for a 20-minute YBMA Q&A session. During these visits, Amber will take students and teachers through the different award categories, share entry tips, and answer any questions about the program and prizes. Schools interested in booking a session can contact: events@careerlinks.nsw.edu.au.
In 2025, YBMA is proudly supported by its new Gold Partner, Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) who are committed to recognising and awarding young innovators and sparking dreams for future career paths.
“The YBMA is a fantastic opportunity for youth of the Hunter to engage, get creative and be recognised,” said Nic McLaughlin, Environment & Community Officer.
“HVO’s core values are ‘Think sharp, Dig in, Care’. Many careers at HVO are STEM related and as a company we strive for innovation in many areas including sustainability. HVO also cares for the community it operates in by offering financial assistance via its community grants programme as well as apprentice workdays and in-kind donations.”
Silver sponsors for 2025 include AGL, I2N – Integrated Innovation Network / University of Newcastle, Hunter IF, Intouch Magazine, and Career Links.
Participants can choose from six core award categories:
Innovation – an original idea with global impact
Community Project – improving the lives of your local community
Sustainability – step lightly on the earth and help our local environment
Startup Business – for those who already have a business up and running
Business Idea – an original business concept or idea, a creative solution to a problem
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) – product or prototype designed or engineered that can be manufactured or handmade
Additional prizes will be awarded for Primary School entrants, Most Creative Video, Encouragement Award, and the prestigious, overall winning Young Business Mind of the Year.
All winners will receive cash prizes and access to mentorships with local industry professionals. Secondary school winners will also be invited to participate in the 2026 Hunter Innovation Festival.
Entry is via a 2–4 minute video pitch and closes on 26 October 2025. Students may enter individually or in teams and can choose to enter independently or on behalf of their school. Schools of winning entries also receive trophies and cash prizes.
Joshua Pidgeon of Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College has been a winner of YBMA for the past two years and was recognised by Sonia Hornery MP with an All-Rounder Award for Senior Schools last November. YBMA organised mentorship for Joshua with James Buttonshaw of Sitle – a local space engineering firm specialising in the development of satellite hardware and Josh Jeffress and Natalie Andrew of Design Anthology who shared the insights and common pitfalls associated with business start-ups and product design.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be a part of something so impactful and meaningful,” said Jenny Gurr, Head of TAS & VET, Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College. “This experience has truly inspired us to continue to ideate, innovating and designing as we shape our futures. YBMA is such an incredible source of inspiration!”
Full entry details, resources and inspiration can be found at www.ybma.com.au.
