The YBMA enjoyed a record number of entries last year with 45 entries, representing 13 schools from across the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens & Hunter regions and around 150 students and teachers. To win, students and teachers entered a video pitch outlining their big idea which was then judged by sponsors and business representatives.
Some of our winners from last year have engaged in mentoring sessions with appropriate business leaders who can help them with the next phase of their projects. In addition, our Young Business Minds of the Year, Jed and James were finalists in the Lake Macquarie City Council Lake Mac Awards in the Lake Mac Environmental Leader – Outstanding Contribution to the Lake Macquarie Environment category! Congratulations!
We are busy integrating our ybma.com.au website into our Career Links main site and hope to have all the work done by the end of March. In the meantime, we thought it might be a good idea to drop everything you might need into this page so that you can get started on your big ideas for 2025.
HOW TO ENTER
YBMA is dedicated to encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in youth and recognizing it in teacher innovators. Students enter a business idea, design a new product, showcase a community or creative project to win cash prizes for themselves and their school, trophies or medallions and industry mentorship. Teachers can enter for innovation in the classroom.
Students and/or teachers are encouraged to explore the concepts of innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, business and social enterprise and look to create their own ‘big idea’. There are resources available to assist with this process as well as the opportunity to have a Career Links staff member visit the school to give a short presentation and to answer any questions.
THE RULES:
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- Students can work individually or as part of a team.
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- Any school aged student from both primary and secondary schools in the Greater Newcastle region including Upper Hunter and Port Stephens is eligible to enter.
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- All students can enter any category. Or select several if you feel your idea qualifies for more than one.
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- Entry is by 2-to-4-minute video pitch.
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- If you have entered previously and won an award, you cannot enter with the same project again.
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- If you have entered previously and not won an award, you may re-enter with the same project.
CHOOSE FROM 6 CATEGORIES
Innovation Award – An idea that is so original/out of the box we can’t believe you thought of it! Something that could have global impact- think big for this one!
Community Project – We are looking for something that will improve the lives of our local community, whether it is up and running now and we can see its positive benefits – or an idea for something that should be happening in the Hunter.
Sustainability Award – Step lightly on the earth and think of something feasible to implement that will help our local environment.
Start-up Business – Got a business already up and running? Pitch it to us for funding and mentorship.
Business Idea – An original concept or idea for a business that has mass appeal. Think of a creative solution to a problem that we will all want to buy from you!
STEAM Award – This is for the best product or prototype that is designed or engineered and could be manufactured or handmade. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.
Additional Prizes are Awarded for:
Primary School Award – Just for the under 13’s – enter into any category. You can also take out the other prizes as well!
Most Creative Video – Wow us with your videography skills and be creative with your pitch!
Encouragement Award – This will be awarded to a person or team that we think deserves to be acknowledged for their fabulous attempt!
Young Business Mind of the Year – This award goes to the absolute standout of the competition!
*And of course, TEACHERS – Enter for Innovation in the Classroom.
PRIZES:
In 2024 each category won $200 for their school & $50 for student/s. The Young Business Mind of the Year winners took home $100 for themselves & $500 for their school. Everyone received medallions and certificates. Winners also received a trophy for their school to display. In 2025 prizes will be of similar value with the full prize list released later in the year.
Note: if you are entering independently and not as part of a school project please indicate this when you apply.
STEPS TO ENTER:
- Explore the online resources to learn more about categories, business models, how to pitch & idea creation.
- Create your BIG IDEA, practice your pitch and film your 2 – 4 min video.
- Enter your BIG IDEA into the awards before 26 Oct. Our new entry form will be available on this site by end of March.
- Attend the awards ceremony in November to find out if you’ve won!
RESOURCES:
One of the best ways to find out what’s required for a successful entry is to look at entries from previous years. Head to the Career Links YouTube Channel to view videos of past winners!
