Publish Date: 
Thursday, January 28, 2016 - 14:00

Queensland’s young entrepreneurs to get boost

Organisations can now apply for grants of up to $20,000 to undertake entrepreneurial and startup focused activities for Queenslanders aged 15-24.

The $2 million Advance Queensland Young Starters program is designed to provide a pathway for young Queenslanders to gain entrepreneurial and commercialisation experience and skills.

The Young Starters Fund will assist organisations, such as schools, universities, TAFES and startup accelerators to deliver practical information as well as collaboration and networking opportunities targeted at Queensland’s budding entrepreneurs.

Activities could include events such as Australia’s first Startup Weekend Youth event held on the Sunshine Coast last year, which provided an opportunity for Year 10 to 12 students from schools across South East Queensland to learn skills required to start a business, with support from the local business community.

The students participated in a range of workshops and activities, identified customers and developed a business model, before pitching their ideas for investment for a chance to win internships and mentoring with local technology businesses.

The Young Starters program will promote entrepreneurship as a career opportunity for young Queenslanders and help address youth unemployment in Queensland. The program will also help foster and retain early stage entrepreneurs and high-performing university graduates in Queensland.

Programs such as these will help grow Queensland’s knowledge economy and position our state as an attractive investment destination.

Applications for the Young Starters Fund are now open and interested organisations are encouraged to apply.

Further information and details are available online at www.qld.gov.au/advanceqld