Enter Competitions and Get rewarded…

Author: Youth 2 Youth

START UP PHASE:
Got an amazing idea or dream but perhaps not the start up funds or facilities needed to make it a reality? Then there are a number of competitions especially for you!

• The Nescafe Big Break competition is for those of you between 16 and 21 who have a great idea and a burning desire to make it happen! The competition will award the winner a monetary prize, there are eight awards of $20000 and ten awards of $2000 up for grabs and all you have to do is answer three simple questions about your dream and idea. For more information visit: www.nescafe.com.au
  
  
• The Yellow Pages Business Idea's Grant is another competition aimed at those with just a great idea or dream about a business, service or product. $100 000 is up for grabs for those who present the most innovative and fresh ideas. For more info go to: www.yellowpages.com.au/big

DEVELOPMENTAL PHASE:
The next phase of business development provides a period in which your business practices can be honed and improved to a point where you are eligible to enter competitions and awards relevant to businesses or individuals who are well established within their field with evidence of success as well as demand for your product or service.

• Shell Livewire is a business planning competition where the focus is real skills! Even if you don't win the cash, you will have made great contacts and finished your business plan. You'll even be matched to a mentor you can help you out. Check out www.shell.com.au for info!

ESTABLISHED PHASE:
At this point, proof of key performance indicators that illustrate your businesses growth, success, stability and sustainability are necessary. The impact your business has had on and in your industry will be evaluated particularly in regards to the "triple bottom line." This examines the way in which your company has identified and responded to the economical/financial, social and environmental factors of business. Here are a number of awards or competitions that are open to businesses at this level:

• National CommunityLink Awards: this is a more volunteer and community focused award program. There is a $15 000 prize up for grabs for your community group. Entrants must be local or regional non profit clubs or organisations within a community and the project must have been carried out largely by volunteers. If this sounds like it relates to some thing you have achieved, visit: www.national.com.au
  
  
• The Sir Edward Dunlop Memorial Award is open for those who have a business or community project that is in its established phase and has demonstrated a commitment and contribution to the well-being of the community or expresses evidence of significant achievements and commitment to his/her chosen field. You must be an Australian citizen aged up to 30 years and be seeking to pursue a project or idea that will significantly benefit the community. For more info on the award and the application process check out: www.youngaustralians.org
  
  
• The Telstra Business Women's Awards segments the competition into categories including young business woman, private and public sectors and businesses that have less than 50 employees and then less than 100 employees. The broadness of the criteria allows many women to be eligible and you don't have to own your own business to be a winner! You can share in prizes worth up to $235 000! To find out more about this unique award visit this site: www.telstra.com.au/tbwa
  

 

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Disclaimer: This article is for your information, but it may not apply to or be suitable for your situation, so seek professional advice. Youth 2 Youth cannot be held liable for anything resulting from how you use the information provided in this article.