Edge FM Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Any young entrepreneurs, 35 years of age and under, who has developed their own successful business were eligible to enter this category.

Edge 102.5 FM is proud to support the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. It is exciting to support the next generation of young local business leaders. We congratulate all nominees and look forward to watching their careers unfold.

FINALISTS

Jacob Coad, OPT Echuca

Jacob Coad is the 22-year-old director of the company which runs OPT Bar, Nightclub & Functions. He grew up in the Echuca-Moama region and learnt hospitality & business from various sources. Not letting age stop him, he took the plunge to run Echuca’s premier late night venue. In the 13 months since taking over the business, Jacob’s focus has been on OPT creating a net positive impact on the community. OPT has hosted a number of major events, including the highly successful fundraiser for Xavier Edwards in July that saw 200 underage kids learn how to party safely. In addition to him being a finalist in the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, OPT has earned a nomination in the Excellence in Hospitality category.

Kyle Bartlett, 7 Beans Coffee

Kyle Bartlett is the owner-director of 7 Beans Coffee. If they published a dictionary with pictures, an image of Kyle would sit next to the word ‘’workaholic’’. The dedicated 29-year-old has grown his business from scratch (including no capital) to four stores in the space of seven years. 7 Beans Coffee operates in Echuca, Kyabram, Rochester and Moama. The Rochester store is the latest addition to the stable, opening in late August. Kyle juggles his growing business commitments with a full-time position at Kagome. On a typical day, Kyle works at Kagome from 10pm to 6am then heads to open his chain of stores. He works at the stores from 7am to 3pm, then spends the next two hours restocking for the next day. Kyle then grabs three to four hours of sleep and repeats the process. In addition to his business commitments, Kyle is a volunteer with the Echuca CFA.