HUNTER Young Business Mind Awards, now in its sixth year, is on the lookout for the Hunter region’s best budding young entrepreneurs.

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The awards recognise young people under the age of 25 who have an innovative business concept, product, service or solution to real-world challenges and there are some great prizes for the lucky finalists.

Hunter entrepreneurship facilitator Cheryl Royle said “the Hunter has some very talented up-and-coming business people.

““We want to empower the Hunter’s next generation of creators and innovators.”

Last year, 14-year-old Jahluvi Mtanda won his category inspired by his mother who encouraged him to explore his art talent with a view toward entrepreneurship.

“I won my award for my ‘off the screens onto the canvas’ project,” said Jahluvi.

“I wanted to encourage young people to take some time off the screens and explore their inner artist and I didn’t expect to win and it came as a real surprise,” he said.

“My advice to anyone thinking about entering the awards is to ‘do it’ and not to be scared and to do what you would like to do.”

Primary students can enter the ‘Innovation in Sustainability’ award as a classroom project.

Secondary students and under 25s enter as individuals choosing from five different categories: of sustainability, business enterprise, design and technology, and social enterprise and creative industries.

All entrants need to do is submit a short video of their pitch or idea.

There is also an award that recognises educators who have developed and implemented innovative ideas that have made a significant impact on teaching and learning in the classroom.

Winners take home $1000 and an opportunity for business mentorship and runners up receive $500.

Closing date for entries is 9 October and the awards ceremony is slated for November in Newcastle for the lucky finalists.

For more information go to www.ybma.com.au or phone 0407 991 277.

By John SAHYOUN