Redland and Logan city councils, Queensland, have held the inaugural Young Entrepreneurs Summit (YES), providing inspiration for a new generation of innovators.
The summit– a joint venture between Redland and Logan city councils and Fiftysix Creations – was held in September at Redlands Performing Arts Centre.
Mayor Karen Williams said the event brought together the best young talent in the region.
“Young people can, and will, change the world,” she told the 500 young people attending the summit, which was part of the Queensland Government’s Advancing Regional Innovation Program (ARIP).
“You are all change makers. You are our future – the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
“While some of you are well advanced on this path, for many others this journey starts here today.”
Cr Williams said hosting YES on Redlands Coast presented local youth with a wonderful opportunity, as the event built on the success of the region’s innovation sector by connecting tomorrow’s entrepreneurs with today’s budding innovators.
She said the summit was one step on Redlands Coast’s journey to becoming a smart city.
“Redlands Coast is the gateway to a lifestyle of technology, innovation and leisure,” she said.
“It is a naturally wonderful place to live, work, do business – and innovate.
“The next step is to build on that foundation and become a smart city – by embracing technology and innovation and using it to improve the way we do business and deliver for our community.
“What pleases me is just how our local innovators, including our students – the entrepreneurs of the future – are climbing on board for this journey.
“Becoming a smart city will help generate local jobs, reducing the high percentage of Redlanders who leave the city for work each day.
“However, we want to go further – we want young entrepreneurs to embed themselves on Redlands Coast.
“I am sure the summit helped by providing inspiration and generating ideas for solutions to the challenges we face as we build our smart city.”