Hunting For The Hunter’s Best Young Business Minds

Words Liane Morris

Last year, 14-year-old Jahluvi Mtanda won his category, inspired by his mother, who encouraged him to explore his artistic talent with an eye toward entrepreneurship.

No one has applied for this gorgeous handsome man since being in care. Jezze has been waiting patiently for over 300 days, and we do not understand why he has not been adopted. He is affectionate, loving and fun. Jezze is very social; all he wants to do is hang around with you. He is still playful at two years old and will make someone a very loyal friend. It is time Jezze found his very own place to call home. Are you the person willing to give him that?

Jahluvi now runs his own business, Jah Arts and Designs offering Munch & Paint packages for young people as well as selling his artworks and merchandise. Jahluvi was recently highly commended at the Hunter Business Excellence Awards.

“I have a fully operational business now and a busy week managing school, my business and basketball. I’ve learned how to manage money and gained so much confidence. My advice to anyone thinking about entering the awards is to do it. Do not ever be scared to do what you would like to do.”

Primary students enter the Innovation in Sustainability award as a classroom. Designed to encourage primary school students to take action towards protecting the environment by developing a sustainable project or business idea that positively impacts the planet, it aligns with the current curriculum.

Secondary students and under 25's enter as individuals choosing from five categories: Sustainability, Business Enterprise, Design & Technology, Social Enterprise & Creative Industries. Designed to fold seamlessly into the work already being done in the classrooms, the teacher’s information packs even come with curriculum mapping. Not forgetting hard-working teachers, there’s even an award that recognises educators who have developed and implemented innovative ideas that have significantly impacted teaching and learning outcomes in the classroom.

The awards are sponsored by Ampcontrol, Hunter Water, Newcastle Airport, University of Newcastle I2N, intouch Magazine and Spectrum Communications. Winners take home $1000 and an opportunity for business mentorship. Runners-up receive $500.

Entries for the awards are now open, with further details to be found at www.ybma.com.au