FORGET going into banking, law or medicine, its seems some bright young minds are more interested in inspiring change by becoming entrepreneurs.
A Young Entrepreneurs Summit will be held in September at Redlands Performing Arts Centre on September 13 for more than 500 young people, aged 12 to 25, from across Australian and New Zealand.
The event is being hosted by entrepreneurship education companies Fiftysix Creations and Business Camp, with help from Logan and Redland city councils.
Fiftysix Creations founder and Young Australian of 2017 Taj Pabari said the summit, called by its acronym YES, would provide a platform of support to help budding innovators achieve their goals.
"Attendees of YES will hear .... that 'yes, it is possible to do some extraordinary things if you have the will and determination'," he said.
The day's program includes keynote presentations by Olympic medalist Stephanie Rice, The Climate Reality Project manager Linh Do and Young Entrepreneur of 2018 Ben Bradshaw, with panel discussions on next generation investment and teenage entrepreneurs.
Guest speakers also include QUT Creative Enterprise Australia chief executive Mark Gustowski, Snowy Hydro Limited and Clean Energy Finance Corporation board member Leeanne Bond and Bendigo Community Bank director Gary White.
Redlands mayor Karen Williams and Bowman MP Andrew Laming will also address the crowd.
Logan City councillor Laurie Smith said Logan City Council, a platinum partner of YES, was helping to showcase the rapid pace in which it has embraced the start-up culture.
"Logan is the dynamic city of the future and we've seen many start-ups and entrepreneurs launch their ideas in our city," he said.
"YES will provide a platform for future innovators to network and hone their craft. Who knows what concepts it will generate?
"Logan City Council is committed to supporting all enterprises that seek to enrich our economic and social landscape through innovation."
Cr Williams said Redland City Council was partnering with Logan City Council and Fiftysix creations to stage the event, as part of the State Government's Advancing Regional Innovation Program.
"Hosting YES on Redlands Coast especially presents our local youth with a wonderful opportunity, as the event will build on the success of our innovation sector by connecting tomorrow's entrepreneurs with today's budding innovators," she said.
"Innovation will play a vital role in meeting the challenges of the future and in harnessing opportunities for Redlands Coast.
"Our young people will be able to explore new ideas and collaborate with like-minded innovators, while the event itself will be a catalyst for the emergence of more young entrepreneurs on Redlands Coast."
