Presentation of awards to winners of 1997 Business person of the Year contest

30/10/97

Youth Minister Mike Board will tonight address young entrepreneurs at the Young Achievement Australia Awards, and present prizes to the winners of the 1997 Business Person of the Year.

The gala awards night will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, from 7.15pm.

Some 400 students from 22 secondary schools and two universities have, in consultation with business mentors from the private and Government sector, set up their own companies to market a product of their own design and making.

This year's awards have seen a surge of interest from country areas, as well as a greater participation rate from the metropolitan area.

The 1997 Business Person of the Year awards provide nominees with an in-depth, practical opportunity to develop and demonstrate key competencies and enterprise skills in a supportive and challenging learning environment.

"Some of these young people may be destined to become our State's brightest business leaders," Mr Board said.

"In Western Australia, more than 7,700 young people aged 15 to 25 operate their own business. For some, it is simply an alternative source of income while they study or look for more permanent work. For many, it is their choice of long-term employment.

"The rate of participation by young Western Australians in self-employment and small business is the highest of all the States and Territories in Australia.

"We must give the youth of today our total support, and recognise their many achievements and potential.

"The many people from business, Government and the wider community who gave up their time to sponsor and mentor these young people, are to be commended for their investment in our youth.

"They have recognised, as I do, that our young people play a key role in our current development and are vital contributors to our future development."

Mr Board said that like Young Achievement Australia, the State Government was committed to supporting enterprise and entrepreneurship among young Western Australians. The Minister recently established a review committee to consider relevant issues and make recommendations regarding the establishment of a Youth Enterprise Scheme, and is currently awaiting the committee's report.

Media contact: Justine Whittome (08) 9222 9699