QUEENSLAND STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS have an opportunity to take to the world stage and prove the business acumen Australians are renowned for, while receiving invaluable mentoring and networking opportunities with some of Brisbane’s best business leaders all by simply competing in the 2012 Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA).
Hosted by the Entrepreneurs Organisation (EO), a global business group, GSEA is the premier awards program for student entrepreneurs and the Australian winner will be flown to New York where they will compete against 30 top business owners from across the globe for the chance to win over US$150,000 in cash and donated business services.
The Queensland winner will also receive a business development prize package worth $57,000 including: a full year business development program with SDG Consulting worth $42,000, scholarship to a Small Business Management program at the National College of Business valued at $4000, a three month public relations campaign valued at $5000 from Ignite PR & Marketing, a financial planning session from Ellerfield valued at $5000 and $1000 cash from Echelon Mining Services.
Students who are currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a Queensland university and are primarily responsible for the operation of a business for over six consecutive months are eligible to enter.
2011 Australian GSEA winner, Shervin Mossammapurast said since winning the 2011 award his business has continued to grow from strength to strength.
“My business Avancer has dramatically improved and developed since winning the GSEA award,” he said.
“The experience has opened a lot of doors and my business has achieved a threefold turnover.
“GSEA has enabled me to market my business on a national level and I have acquired new skills to help me promote the business.”
Shervin encouraged students to enter the 2012 GSEA awards for the amazing mentoring opportunities available also.
“Regardless of whether an entrant secures a place in the final the entry process alone is an invaluable experience. I learnt a lot just from pitching my business to the EO judging panel.
“The entire experience allows you to receive feedback from a variety of perspectives, which is something that would not have been possible without the GSEA awards.”
Shervin said GSEA also enabled the winning students to network with industry professionals and other students.
“Students meet with a variety of entrepreneurs from different countries who can provide valuable insight into trends and marketing opportunities from different countries.
“I have learnt so much from the experience and have been able to apply the knowledge acquired directly into my business and make some great industry contacts.”
To enter students need to visit http://www.gsea.org/ and fill out the online criteria before the awards close on 15 September 2012. Applications will then be vetted by a panel of Brisbane entrepreneurs with four finalists selected to present their idea at a state judging event. The winner of the state round will progress to the Australian finals on 3 October 2012 to be held in Brisbane.
The Australian winner will then be flown to the New York Stock Exchange to compete with 30 of the world’s top student entrepreneurs.
