School age business stars in the running
Fraser Coast Anglican College students, along with many other students on the Fraser Coast are ready to take up the Founderfest Fraser Coast challenge.
During an intense three-day program, participants will experience the fun, pressure and excitement of taking an idea and building a viable, scalable and sustainable business and the young entrepreneurs will go up against some of the brightest young minds, the region has to offer.
Young entrepreneur, Jed Smith is very excited about the upcoming Founderfest being held at Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre. The year 11 student believes that the opportunity to learn more about entrepreneurial skills and learning to develop ideas will not only be interesting but more importantly, a life-long skill.
“I have always been interested in business and know that by being involved in Founderfest, I will gain more skills and great connections. The program is extensive and the work will be hard.. but that’s what happens in real life. I can’t wait to be involved!”
Fraser Coast Anglican College Principal Leisa Harper said, “Entrepreneurship should not be viewed as the creation of businesses, but as the action of adding value.
“Entrepreneurship education benefits students because it teaches kids to think outside the box and nurtures unconventional talents and skills. Furthermore, it creates opportunity, ensures social justice, instils confidence and stimulates the economy.
“We already teach many of these skills but we have reached out to other organisations so our students can engage in hands-on projects like this”, Leisa Harper said.
Seventeen-year-old Scott Millar has sold thousands of holograms and key chains to businesses throughout the world since launching Bop Industries and he now plans on telling Founderfest participants the secretes to his success. Starting his business at local markets as part of a school business venture at age 14 Scott is a young entrepreneur that has grown his business from laser cut keyrings at local markets to running workshops for over 4000 people at the World Science Festival, designing and creating holographic MC’s for corporate events and conceptualising and building new forms of theatre all whilst still balancing school commitments.
FOUNDERFEST PROVIDES:
- Platform to promote technology across a wide range of industries
- Workshops to improve capability and capacity
- Opportunity to build networks and collaborate with other entrepreneurs
- Safe environment to test ideas and theories, where failure is allowed
- Resources and support told to promote lean startup principles
- Mentors to help develop scalable, sustainable solutions
- Sponsors and contact with access to markets
- Leadership opportunities during and after the event
- Focus on developing communication and presentation skills
- A culture that recognizes and promotes success
- Experimental learning to build confidence
- An awareness of entrepreneurship as an alternative employment pathway
- Gateway to the Advance Queensland Young Starters’ competition
Local mentors and sponsors will all help to make the event a success.
Founderfest will be presented by Berwin, startup Toowoomba logo and the Queensland Governments Advance Queensland Initiative, alongside major contributor’s Fraser Coast Anglican College.
Not for Profit group Berwin offers links to local industry leaders and mentors to help provide the participants a strong platform to create viable and successful business concepts at the Founderfest event.
Friday 11 August – Sunday 13 August 2017
To be held at Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre
http://www.berwin.org.au/events
For more information contact: Lynette on: 0428 262 531
