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Most business people don't set out on their journeys in search of recognition, but rather that desire to create something new, to execute a vision or even just to make a solid living as their own boss.
So engrossed are entrepreneurs in their empires that they don't often get the chance to reflect on the significance of the metres - or kilometres - gained.
Whatever the motivation behind their pursuits, at Business News Australia we take great pride in recognising and celebrating Australia's top young talent.
The celebration season officially kicks off tonight with the Brisbane Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Gala Night 2019 at Rydges, South Bank.
More than 300 people are set to attend after the awards unearthed more than 100 nominees from the river city, producing the largest group of finalists to date who collectively turn over hundreds of millions of dollars a year and have created in excess of 3,000 jobs.
"Starting up a business takes a lot of grit and energy, while making it successful takes even more than that," says the event founder Camilla Jansen.
"For us at Business News Australia, we love to hear young entrepreneurs' stories and it is a privilege to share them with our readers around the country.
"An awards night like this is about recognition for these hard-working forward thinkers. Those selected by our judges will receive honours, but everyone in attendance should be very proud for what they've achieved."
She says the entrepreneurs featured at the event are the ones "you will hear of in the future".
"As a business owner, I know it can be very lonely at the top sometimes, and this event gives them an opportunity to meet likeminded peers, in a relaxed and fun environment," she says.
"This initiative has created not only a cross-pollination of ideas but amazing business opportunities as well."
As a long-time supporter of the Young Entrepreneur Awards, and a judge of the awards itself, Dr Glen Richards of Greencross fame knows firsthand the quality of the nominations that the program receives every year.
"This initiative gives nominees an exceptional chance to be seen by potential investors and potential customers," says Richards.
The event is sponsored by MGI Accountants and Business Advisors, Capital B, Spruson & Ferguson, Alex Correa Executive, Yellow Panda Communications, ISR Training and Screen Offset Printing.
Aside from the two major awards of Young Entrepreneur of the Year Trailblazer - won last year by Ben Bradshaw (Disrupt Digital) and Thuy Lam (Blackbook.ai) respectively - the gala will span a range of sectors with 15 different award categories including:
- Startup
- Professional Services
- Marketing & PR
- Health & Fitness
- Technology
- Digital Disruptor
- Retail and Services
- Specialist Services
- Fashion Design
- Legal
- Finance
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Manufacturing, Wholesale and Distribution
- Property & Construction
- Social Entrepreneur
The winner of the top prize will join the ranks of previous Young Entrepreneurs of the Year:
- Ben Bradshaw, Disrupt Digital (2018)
- Steve Scanlan, Recon Solutions (2017)
- Jordan Grives, Fonebox (2016)
- Grant Wechsel, One Key Resources (2015)
- Robert Rowe, Tu Projects (2014)
- Anthony Yap and Hahn Lu, Good Price Pharmacy Group (2013)
- Anthony Yap and Hahn Lu, Good Price Pharmacy Group (2012)
- Quynh Anh Le, NOJA Power (2011)
- Phillip Di Bella, Di Bella Coffee (2010)
- Bevan Slattery, PIPE Networks (2009)
Business News Australia
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