Isa takes the cake as Wollongong's top young entrepreneur
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A tasty, allergy-free treat idea has led to a South Coast student being crowned Wollongong’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2023 Young Eyes Festival powered by Sicona on Saturday.
Eight students from across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven took part in the final of Pitchfest as part of the festival, which saw them pitch their unique business ideas to some of the country’s top business leaders.
Over 70 students from across the Illawarra and the Shoalhaven took part in the schools-based entrepreneurship program delivered by Wollongong’s Zig Zag Hub .
The best competed in a preliminary round of judging a month ago with the cream of the crop then going into the final on Saturday at the Wollongong Town Hall.
Nowra Christian School student Isa Chapman, 13, was crowned the overall winner for her business idea of Cosmic Cookies, a completely allergy-free range of cookies and treats the aspiring baker has created herself.
Among other ideas pitched by students were a multi-sport training program, a universal key, schools-based gaming tournaments and hand-crafted shoes.
Prominent Sydney businessman and majority owner of the Sydney Kings Paul Smith delivered a keynote address to students on the art of pitching business ideas.
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Other judges were Tylney T. , representing Sicona Battery Technologies, digital entrepreneur and founder Emily Bobis and founder of Wollongong virtually reality company Devika Ken Kencevski.
Sicona CEO and cofounder Christiaan Jordaan, who is travelling overseas, sent a message to open the festival.
Mr Jordaan said Sicona was extremely proud to be major supporter of the festival.
"As a company we are very focussed on innovation, that's at the core of our business," Mr Jordaan said.
"We have a deep-seated passion and drive for entrepreneurship, innovative ideas and pushing boundaries. It's something that close to our heart."
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Gordon Bradbery AM officially opened the Festival, while Planning Minister and member for Wollongong Paul Scully MP delivered an official address as part of the festival.
The festival, in its second year, is founded and managed by the Zig Zab Hub.
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1 年Well done kids! You are the pride of not only Wollongong and Sicona Battery Technologies but the whole nation including inspired politicians like Ed Husic MP. You are the future!