Young Business Minds Awards Inspiring Future Innovators
- intouch Magazine
- 17 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Young Business Minds Awards (YBMA) is an exciting opportunity for the region’s brightest young innovators.
YMBA has been at the forefront of fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among youth, offering a platform where their ideas can thrive, building confidence, and inspiring future pathways since 2017.
Participants can submit a diverse range of projects - from innovative business concepts to groundbreaking products and impactful social initiatives. Winners can earn cash prizes for themselves and their school, as well as industry mentorship and free entry into the Hunter Innovation Festival. There are six categories to enter, including Innovation, Community Project, Start-up Business, Business Idea, STEAM and Sustainability. Additional prizes are also awarded.
Entering the YBMA is straightforward and accessible. Presented by Careerlinks, the awards are open to both primary and secondary school-aged students and schools across the Hunter region, including Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, the Upper and Lower Hunter, and Port Stephens. Students can enter either individually or as part of a team. To submit an entry, students can create a video pitch of two to four minutes in length, showcasing their ‘big idea’. For educators, a special award is presented to those who have significantly enhanced teaching and learning through innovative methods. This award recognises the vital role teachers play in shaping future innovators.
“As we navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, cultivating innovation and entrepreneurship in young people is a way to shape our future and drive positive change that helps our young people to thrive”, said Careerlinks CEO, John Purcell.
“The Careerlinks’ YBMA helps to build confidence and inspire future career pathways.”
This event would not be possible without our sponsors: AGL, Hunter Valley Operations, I2N Hub Honeysuckle, Hunter IF, Intouch Magazine and North St Partners.
The deadline for entries is 26 October 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your big idea into a reality! To learn more about how to get involved, visit the official website at www.ybma.com.au.
