Young entrepreneur of the year awards 2010

They’re back. Following the unbridled success of the Gold Coast Business News Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2008 and 2009 – this city’s brightest young minds are again rallying for their spot in the limelight.

THEY are more risk managers than risk takers and the key standout quality entrenched in each of the Gold Coast Business News Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalists is a burning desire to achieve.

Last year Gold Coast Business News was inundated with entries and each finalist proved how they bring something of great value to the city and its bustling economy.

As the construction craze capitulated and banks started calling in developer loans, the Gold Coast property industry began to crumble. Some hit the wall. Conversely MKM Group towered above with an ambitious and boisterous expansion drive. For managing director and founder Michael Kljaic, it was ‘do or die’.

Not one to bunker down, the 2009 Young Entrepreneur of the Year went out and locked horns with the financial crisis and achieved revenues of more than $30 million. The 37-year-old has since created communities and provides 100 jobs across his multi-faceted construction empire.

For Zarraffa’s Coffee founder Kenton Campbell, opening another 14 stores before the end of next year will boost his total store numbers to more than 50. The likeable American dreams big. To complement his rapacious appetite for franchising, he is also an ardent wildlife warrior, martial arts expert and soon to be author.

And what about the French chef who first sprinkled his fine dining ingredients on the Gold Coast with the Absynthe restaurant in 2005? Two-star Michelin rated culinary whizz Meyjitte Boughenout doesn’t just tantalise taste buds. He also creates restaurants and now owns five on the Gold Coast, including the Sanctuary Cove Wine Bar and Cellar and the Godmother’s Magical Pizzas at Paradise Point.

Are you the next Gold Coast Business News Young Entrepreneur of the Year?

CLICK HERE to take the 2010 Young Entrepreneur of the Year survey and tell us why you are a key candidate for this year's accolade. All Young Entrepreneur finalists will be featured in a special Gold Coast Business News November edition, with the winner and two runners up to be announced at a special luncheon event later in the year.

ADVERTISING IN THIS SPECIAL EDITION

The special Young Entrepreneur of the Year edition will be the final Gold Coast Business News issue for the year. This will be your last opportunity for 2010 to reach our market and target audience of more than 30,000 business leaders.

The magazine presents a key opportunity for you to align your business with the city’s brightest and most exciting young leaders that are on the lookout for fresh, innovative ways to keep improving their business.

Secure your space early by calling on 07 5538 5660 or email cw@brisbanebusinessnews.com.au