Young entrepreneurs offered $5,000 grant to apply for global summit

Young entrepreneurs who apply for a spot at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance (YEA) Summit will go in the running for a $5,000 business grant, awarded by an expert panel.

The Enterprise Network for Young Australians (ENYA) is planning to send an Australian delegation of 20 entrepreneurs to the 2013 G20 YEA Summit, to be held in Moscow in June.

ENYA, which is a not-for-profit organisation, supports young entrepreneurs through advice lines, financial support through partner organisations, and advocating on behalf of young entrepreneurs to government and education institutions.

The G20 YEA, now in its fourth year, brings together entrepreneurs from the G20 nations to champion the importance of young entrepreneurs and examine the issues affecting them.

Discussion points from the G20 YEA Summit will be presented to world leaders during the G20 Leaders Summit.

Entrepreneurs who apply to be part of this year’s Australian delegation will go in the running for a $5,000 business grant, awarded by ENYA’s expect panel.

Applicants must be no older than 40, and own a business or social enterprise. Applications close on February 18.

One of the entrepreneurs, who will be chosen via an online poll from February 19-28 on the ENYA website, will receive free return flights to Moscow.

The other 19 participants will be chosen by public vote and a panel of Australian business leaders including Dr Tom McKaskill and Kerry Chikarovski.

According to ENYA chief entrepreneur officer Jeremy Liddle, participating in a G20 YEA summit is an invaluable experience for young entrepreneurs.

“Young Australians get the chance of a lifetime not only to shape world leaders’ ideas on entrepreneurship but also to network with leading entrepreneurs from across the world,” he says.

“Having led the Australian delegation to the 2012 summit in Mexico, I know what a truly life-changing experience this is.

“[I] strongly encourage every entrepreneur to jump at the opportunity to participate.”

Renata Cooper, founder of ethical and social investment partner company Forming Circles, which is offering the return flights and the grant, says she is in awe of young entrepreneurs.

“We admire young people with innovative ideas and passion,” she says.

“It’s important to continue to provide financial support and incentives to business owners who wouldn’t otherwise get this opportunity to take part in such an inspiring and important event.”

In 2014, the G20 YEA and G20 Leaders Summits will be held in Australia. ENYA is in talks with state and territory governments to determine the host city.