Fraser Coast Youth Shine at Young Business Leaders Program Presentation 

The future of business on the Fraser Coast looks bright, thanks to a group of innovative young entrepreneurs who showcased their ideas at the Fraser Coast Young Business Leaders Program Presentation on Wednesday morning. Inspiring the students were guest speakers; Scott Miller from BOP Industries, Luke from 360 Degrees Marketing, and HBNC CEO Tanya Stevenson who shared their expertise and encouragement with the students. 

The event marked the culmination of an exciting 10-week journey where students committed to designing and launching viable businesses with just $100 in seed funding. Delivered by BOP Industries and supported by the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre (HBNC) and local business mentors, the program gave young people a platform to explore entrepreneurial pathways, collaborate in teams, and develop businesses that balance creativity, practicality, and community impact.

The program began with a full-day Hackathon, a fast-paced session designed to spark ideas, build teams, and lay the foundation for future ventures. From there, students attended weekly masterclasses on branding, marketing, product design, value propositions, pricing, and budgeting.  

A Celebration of Growth and Innovation

At the Presentation, students proudly pitched their businesses to an audience of peers and local business leaders. Ideas ranged from creative products to service-based ventures—all designed with innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving at their core.

CEO Tanya Stevenson reflected on the morning, sharing how incredible it is to see this skill set being nurtured right here in our region. These young innovators are not only learning how to create a business but also how to collaborate, problem-solve, and dream big. 

The Showcase highlighted the value of hands-on, practical learning for young people. Many of the participants experienced their first taste of presenting to a live audience, negotiating ideas within a team, and managing a small budget.

Entrepreneurship and Youth in Australia

Across Australia, youth entrepreneurship is on the rise. National data shows that around 10.5% of Australians are engaged in early-stage entrepreneurial activity, and teenagers are increasingly stepping into this space. Young people cite flexibility, independence, and social impact as key motivators for exploring entrepreneurial pathways.

However, research also highlights barriers such as limited access to funding, networks, and business knowledge. Structured programs like the Fraser Coast Young Business Leaders Program play a crucial role in breaking down these barriers—equipping students with both technical business skills and the confidence to put ideas into action.

Building Stronger Communities

For HBNC, involvement in this initiative ties directly to its mission of creating a place where people belong, feel safe, and are connected to a community of support. By investing in young people, HBNC is helping to shape a future generation that is skilled, confident, and committed to their community.

The program also underscores the importance of collaboration between schools, local businesses, and community organisations. With support from mentors and business leaders, the students gained real-world insights that can’t be taught in a classroom alone.

Looking Ahead

While the Presentation marked the official end of the 10-week program, for many students it is just the beginning. The program’s legacy is not just the businesses launched, but the confidence and skills instilled in each participant. It is also wonderful to see that the participants will be par taking in the upcoming Youth Markets on the Fraser Coast. 

As communities across Australia grapple with how to prepare young people for the future of work, the Fraser Coast Young Business Leaders Program stands as a model of what can be achieved through practical, collaborative initiatives.

With fresh ideas, boundless energy, and the support of their community, the Fraser Coast’s young entrepreneurs are proving that the future is in good hands.