When you hear the word ‘entrepreneur’, what or who do you think about? Do you have specific ideas as to exactly what an entrepreneur is, or isn’t?
Depending who you talk to, you will get very different opinions on what defines an entrepreneur. I don’t believe there is one true definition, but there are undoubtedly characteristics that define them.
The dictionary defines an entrepreneur as “a person who sets up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit”. I wouldn’t disagree, but there is so much more to the brilliant people who started the 97% of businesses in Australia that make up our small business industry. It takes creativity, tenacity, perseverance, resourcefulness, and the ability to foster and nurture growth.
Entrepreneurs are the cultivators of our future, crafting products and services that completely change the world we live in.
Our region is filled with inspiring entrepreneurs, young and not so young, who have made an impact on our world. When you look around the Shoalhaven, you see creations that have been brought to life by local people who had the passion and the drive and the commitment to turn a dream into reality.
Every day we participate in activities that have been made possible by brilliant local minds, and I think it’s important we slow down and take notice of how our region – and our world – is made better by those who have a zest for taking big risks for the benefit of others.
I’m not going to mention any specific businesses, as there are just too many and this post would go on for all eternity. Plus, this post is about young entrepreneurs, so less have a look at some inspiring and REALLY young entrepreneurs who have done awesome things with their creative minds.
Inspiring young entrepreneurs
Sixteen year old Poppy Starr is a pro skateboarder who designs and makes her own jewellery, and she has done so since she was 12 years old. Poppy started selling her jewellery and art as a means to fund overseas trips to compete in international skateboarding competitions. She has also made the TED stage at the tender age of 14, and she loves nothing more than inspiring other young people to follow their dreams and start a business.
Fourteen year old Juliette Jones is the incredible young lady behind CSJ leMoNaid. Juliette’s grandfather sadly passed away from Motor Neurone Disease when she was 11 years old. Juliette couldn’t believe that our modern world offered no treatment or cure for sufferers, so she decided to go on mission to change this.
What started as a leMoNaid stand has grown into a business that has so far raised over $20,000 for research into MND. Juliette’s goal is to raise enough to fund a research team at Macquarie University, which is where 100% of her funds currently go. Juliette has also been featured in Inspiring Rare Birds‘ book about amazing young entrepreneurs, Brilliant BusinessKids.
Taylor Dow, the man behind BodyTea Australia, was 17 years old when he left school to pursue his business ambitions full time. His business now turns over seven figures.
Young entrepreneurs in the Shoalhaven
We have so many inspiring young entrepreneurs in the Shoalhaven, we hope to see dozens of entries in this category of the Business Awards. The Awards not only provide the opportunity for recognition to winners, but the opportunity to learn and grow through entering, as well as celebrating and recognising the contribution of all team members.
When asked about winning the 2016 Young Entrepreneur Award, Ross Thompson, MD of WorkforceXS said “On a professional level I believe that we have received better local awareness of our business and what we offer.”
If you are a young entrepreneur (aged 35 or under) and you want the opportunity to stand out from your competitiors as an Award winning business, you need to enter the Shoalhaven Business Awards.
Enter the Awards or read more about entering.
And good luck!
*SOURCE: Fair Work Australia, small business is defined by having fewer than 15 employees. Please note this differs from the NSW Awards Small Business category criteria of fewer than 20 employees.