Youngpreneurs - Follow your own ideas

Young people with big ideas and entrepreneurial dreams now have the chance to make their dreams a reality.

As part of the Greater Geraldton Investment Showcase, young people will be able to attend a three-hour intensive workshop to help them take the first steps towards becoming innovators and entrepreneurs.

The Youngpreneur Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program workshop is from 6pm to 9pm on Thursday November 17, at CityHive, 184 Marine Terrace Geraldton.

CityHive Host and workshop co-organiser, 19-year-old Lia Thornton, said the workshop was aimed at young people, aged 15 to 25, who want to make a difference in the world, but don’t know where to start.

She said many young people, especially those in Years 10-12, were stuck deciding between university, TAFE, or getting a job but were unexcited by traditional options.

“In this three hour workshop, young entrepreneurs will learn and take action in teams, gaining skills and confidence to turn their passion into a job, or their hobby into a business, or their creative idea into a real product or service,” Miss Thornton said.

“This is suitable for everyone, whether you are a creative, coder, or simply interested in learning more about what innovation really means and how you can be a part of it in the future.”

There will be prizes for the best pitches, ideas and team players, and all teams and participants are eligible to participate in future events, leading into pitches to investors and meetings with mentors at the main Greater Geraldton Investment Showcase event on December 9.

Miss Thornton said the workshop could pave the way for a more intensive entrepreneur youth training program next year.

“I’ll be pitching such a program to the investors on December 9 in the hope that we can get a training program for young entrepreneurs off the ground,” she said.

“I’m really excited that we may be able to help young people turn their passion into a career, or give them options other than the traditional education and career paths.”

RSVP is essential, tickets cost $5 (payable online or at the event) and all details are at www.pollinators.org.au/event/youngpreneur-workshop/.

The Youngpreneur Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship activity is supported by the Mid West Development Commission through the Mid West Innovation Agenda, City of Greater Geraldton, ATC Midwest and headspace Geraldton.

This event is also part of the overall Greater Geraldton Investment Showcase, powered by Progress Mid West as part of the Greater Geraldton Investor Showcase and Growth Plan project. Funding partners include Royalties for Regions, City of Greater Geraldton, Mid West Development Commission, Regional Development Mid West Gascoyne, US Embassy Canberra & US Consulate Perth, and West Tech Fest.