Celebrating the Innovators of Tomorrow: The 2024 Teens in Business Awards
What do you get when you combine creativity, determination, and a spark of entrepreneurial genius? You get the remarkable young people behind the 2024 Teens in Business Awards!
At Young Change Agents we’re shining a spotlight on the next generation of business leaders, teens aged 10 to 18, who are turning big ideas into impactful ventures. From eco-friendly startups to community-focused initiatives, these young changemakers are showing that you don’t need to wait to make a difference.
Meet the Judges Who Made It All Possible
Our guest judges played a pivotal role in selecting the winners, and their combined experience, knowledge, and passion made them the perfect mentors for our young nominees. Let’s take a moment to appreciate their contributions:
Jason Ming:The Co-founder and Managing Partner of Trampoline, brought a wealth of industry experience and a sharp eye for innovation to the judging process.
Holly Hoad: As General Manager at EM-Power Foundation, Holly emphasised the importance Indigenous led businesses, offering valuable feedback and support to our finalists during the event.
Jehan Ratnatunga: Co-Founder & VP of Strategy and Digital Product of Who Gives a Crap, Jehan brought a community-focused perspective, championing initiatives that create social impact.
Hannah Mourney: As Senior Associate of Partnerships Development and Fostering Innovation for the NSW Premier’s Department, Hannah celebrated the innovative spirit of the nominees, providing insight to young entrepreneurs looking for investment opportunities.
Kate Dezarnaulds: As Founder of WorkLife, with a strong background in startups in regional areas, Kate celebrated the perseverance of entrepreneurs located regionally and rurally.
Azzy Light: As Founder of EasyAz and 2023 Teens in Business Awards Winner (Pivoting Pioneer), no one knows business from a youth perspective better than Azzy.
Margaret O’Brien: With years of experience under her belt as CEO and Co-Founder of Young Change Agents, Margaret is an expert at spotting and =guiding talented entrepreneurial youth. It’s through Maragret’s expertise, dedication, and guidance that the Teens in Business Awards are possible.
Their thoughtful deliberation and heartfelt engagement with the nominees added depth to the event and inspired everyone in attendance.
Meet the 2024 Teens in Business Awards Finalists
Teenpreneur of the Year Finalists
Tweeny Skin by Sienna Jovcevski: @TweenySkin tackles a problem faced by many tweens and teens—finding skincare that’s specifically designed for their unique, sensitive, and often acne-prone skin. Tweeny Skin’s Solution? A gentle, effective range of skincare products made with clean ingredients, free from parabens, toxins, and other harmful additives. Tweeny Skin makes skincare simple, safe, and fun, helping young people establish healthy skin habits early on.
Ramla Body by Jaimen Shamoun: Sand on the skin is hot and uncomfortable. Sand clings to your skin and gets into every crevice causing irritation and leaves your skin feeling dry and uncomfortable. You can’t enjoy the beach with sand all over your skin. No matter how much you shake, brush or rinse that stubborn sand sticks around and can ruin your beach day. @RamlaBody is a sand repellant designed to prevent this discomfort!
Subjective Labs by Darren Candra & Matthew Li: Revolutionising student organisation with a digital platform created by students for students. Subjective Labs tailors the experience to every school with preset bell times and links, but also by creating a fast, modern user interface that is built for students, by students, as we believe we understand what students really want in a school organisation app that others fail to cover.
Critter Couture Costume Design by Myka Steinbeck: Myka currently hand crafts and sews costumes featuring their own hand drawn art. Through art and costumes, Critter Couture Costume Design aims to help people feel like themselves. The end goal is to run an event at Perth convention Center for the cosplay fandom.
Happy Hobby Hour Junior by Ruhaan Kulshreshtha: @HappyHobbyHourJunior is focused on boosting youth confidence and reducing screen time with programs that help them achieve their goals through meaningful activities.
Epic Card Games by Jade Catania: Bringing the realities of farming to life, @Epic_Card_Games is an educational card game that combines learning and fun.
Tweenpreneur of the Year Finalists
The Earth Is My Place by Sebastian Onate-Henriquez: @theearthismyplace reduces plastic waste by selling T-shirts made from recycled plastic bottles and organic cotton, sourced from the USA. Each T-shirt design is drawn by the founder Sebastian and are inspired by nature.
Safety Walk around & Girls can fly anything by Amy Spicer: Girls Can Fly Anything is a magazine to showcase female pilots, engineers & aviation career specialists to encourage more women and girls to consider aviation careers. Safety meets innovation with Safety Walk Around, an app that streamlines pre-flight checks for GA aircraft. Using wearable barcode technology, it ensures accuracy and efficiency while offering subscription options for private plane owners and flight schools.
Calm Kids by Jett Jackson: @Calm Kids offers calming tools for kids that suffer from anxiety and low self-esteem that arise from social and academic pressure at school. Calm Kids have spinning rings to help maintain focus and keep fingers busy and to distract from other behaviour such as chewing on hair and clothing.
Intrapreneur of the Year Finalists
ConTechz by Ellie Meakin & Josh Simmonds: Standing for construction technology, ConTechz, is a technology software created to streamline internal and external communications. From planning to invoices, all information is centralised for easy access. Features like Sketch Tech, a virtual whiteboard, enhance collaboration between builders and clients while ensuring data security.
WaterSafe by Isabella Matthias & Alex Carlos: WaterSafe empowers users to monitor and manage their water supply with ease. Connected to a tank sensor, the app provides real-time updates on water levels, quality, and usage patterns, along with weather notifications to help users make smarter, water-saving decisions.
Eco ripple by Caitlin Sharpe & Milla Markoff: The Eco Ripple is an innovative device designed to disrupt the surface of water, effectively preventing mosquitoes from breeding. By creating gentle ripples, the aerator keeps water in motion, making it an unsuitable environment for mosquito larvae to thrive.
Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists
Anku Ardla Nguthunha by Keira Holberton: Keira empowers her community through art and advocacy. Working with schools, she ensures Aboriginal perspectives are taught authentically while sharing her mob’s stories to inspire truth-telling and unity.
Maren Ya Kauung Foundation by Khytarna Carriage: Bridging the gap between tradition and modern cuisine, this foundation makes bush tucker accessible through pop-up events, cooking workshops, and ready-to-cook meal boxes. By partnering with Indigenous farmers, they promote sustainable practices and celebrate cultural heritage.
Cultural Canvas by Charlotte by Charlotte Ryall: Celebrating and preserving First Nations art, Charlotte’s business drives cultural, social, and economic benefits while evolving artistic traditions.
Maaloop by Kendra, Keely, Tahmia, Emma, Bella: Making bush tucker simple and delicious! Maaloop’s meal kits include native ingredients like wattleseed and finger lime, along with easy-to-follow recipes, introducing more people to the unique flavours of Indigenous cuisine.
Most Impactful Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists
Good Knight Films by Abigail Knight: Good Knight Films brings powerful stories to life through short films that educate and inspire. By shining a light on social issues and the work of charities and social enterprises, this business is driving meaningful change one story at a time.
Ethical Ears by Charlotte Mason: @ethical_ears is more than a jewellery brand, donating over $200 a month from sales of earrings, bracelets, and keyrings, the business has funded over 7,000 doses of polio vaccines for vulnerable children worldwide. Small creations, big impact.
Safety Walk Around by Amy Spicer: Safety meets innovation with Safety Walk Around, an app that streamlines pre-flight checks for GA aircraft. Using wearable barcode technology, it ensures accuracy and efficiency while offering subscription options for private plane owners and flight schools.
Beds By Aladdin by Amanda Ambanavos: Turning sustainability into comfort, @BedsByAladdin repurposes hessian coffee bean sacks to create cozy dog beds. Combining eco-friendly recycling practices with love for our furry friends, this business is making a big impact, one nap at a time!
Mikayla’s Skateboard Coaching by Mikayla Sheppard: Mikayla is on a mission to get her community active through skateboarding! Filling a gap in the Logan area, her lessons promote physical and mental health, combat youth crime, and build social connections. Since opening in September 2024, she has already held 84 lessons, empowering skaters of all levels.
Cozy Crochet by Afsheen Habib: Cozy Crochet helps teens and kids find calm in a fast-paced world. By introducing the therapeutic benefits of crochet, this business reduces stress and anxiety, proving that creativity and mindfulness can go hand in hand.
Empower Everywhere by Shuang Cheng & Alice Leng: Say goodbye to dead phone batteries with Empower Everywhere! This power bank rental service concept, accessible via a digital app, will provide on-the-go charging at Sydney’s hottest spots. Designed with sustainability in mind, their 100% recycled pods keep you connected while protecting the planet.
Regional or Rural Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists
Epic Card Games by Jade Catania: Epic Card Games tackles the problem of raising awareness about farming and the challenges faced by farmers in a fun and enjoyable way. The game’s objective is simple: be the first to grow the desired number of crops. However, players must navigate a variety of challenges such as pests, droughts, and floods, which directly reflect the real-life situations farmers face.
YouCo (Youth Minds Collective) by Team entry: YouCo is tackling the cluttered chaos of school lockers with innovative modular inserts. Customisable and adjustable, these inserts will ensure students can organise their belongings, especially valuable blazers and hats, while adapting to different locker spaces year after year.
Cozy Crochet by Afsheen Habib: Cozy Crochet helps teens and kids find calm in a fast-paced world. By introducing the therapeutic benefits of crochet, this business reduces stress and anxiety, proving that creativity and mindfulness can go hand in hand.
Explorer X Merch by Xavier Farnell: Xavier was only 8 years old when he started his own clothing line to help others in his community. Through the profit earned by sales of his merch, Xavier is able to perform random acts of kindness for his members of his community.
Pivoting Pioneer of the Year Finalists
Citrus by Isaac Fewster: @real.itscitrus is revolutionising beachwear, Citrus introduces colour-changing swimwear that’s anything but ordinary. Their interactive shorts and hats transform based on temperature, making them both fun and unique. Plus, for every order, Citrus now donates profits towards removing 1kg of plastic from our oceans, a mission as impactful as their designs. Citrus is revolutionising beachwear, Citrus introduces colour-changing swimwear that’s anything but ordinary. Their interactive shorts and hats transform based on temperature, making them both fun and unique. Plus, for every order, Citrus now donates profits towards removing 1kg of plastic from our oceans, a mission as impactful as their designs.
Money Magic - Benny the Penny Saving Bear by Sasha King: Benny the Penny Saving Bear is an AI-powered teddy bear that will grow with children, teaching essential money concepts like saving, spending, budgeting, and financial literacy in a fun and engaging way. Money Magic is set to shape financially savvy kids for a brighter future.
Youth Minds Collective (YouCo) by Team entry: YouCo is tackling the cluttered chaos of school lockers with innovative modular inserts. Customisable and adjustable, these inserts will ensure students can organise their belongings, especially valuable blazers and hats, while adapting to different locker spaces year after year.
Hive then Honey by Jibril Zahra: Fighting the devastating varroa mite, Hive Then Honey has begun prototyping a chemical-free device that lures and traps these pests, protecting bee colonies and preserving the integrity of honey, wax, and wood. Their solution is a win for bees and the planet!
Youth Entrepreneurship Mentor of the Year Finalists
Becky Laurence, Senior Program Coordinator at Future You: Becky has empowered young people through her mentorship in the Transforming Transport program, Plastics Challenge, and as a supporting role for the Australian Women in STEM Ambassador. She’s dedicated countless volunteer hours to guiding participants—particularly those from underrepresented groups—through design thinking, helping them refine their ideas and envision their real-world impact in STEM careers.
Dr Uwe Terton, Lecturer at Southern Cross University: Drawing from his academic and professional expertise, Dr. Uwe has mentored youth in the Transforming Transport and Plastics Challenge programs at Southern Cross University. He’s inspired students to think critically and creatively about sustainable solutions in transport and STEM, fostering innovative thinking around technology, sustainability, and health.
Sibilla Foxton, Project Lead on the Indigenous Women STEM & Entrepreneurship Pathways Project: Sib has championed First Nations youth as Project Lead of the Indigenous Women STEM & Entrepreneurship Pathways Project, creating career pathways that honour Traditional Knowledge in the agrifood sector. As a mentor and volunteer judge for the Future of Food design challenge, she’s helped participants refine ideas and build solutions for a sustainable and culturally diverse food system.
Holly Hoad, General Manager at EM-Power Foundation: Holly has empowered First Nations women as the First Nations Project Officer for the Indigenous Women STEM & Entrepreneurship Pathways Project. She’s dedicated to guiding young women in Years 9-12 towards careers in the Native Ag and Food industry, creating transformative opportunities in education and employment.
Bradley Clair, Co-Founder and CEO of Powerwells: Bradley is a passionate social impact entrepreneur and co-founder of Powerwells, a social enterprise repurposing e-waste to create affordable energy solutions. Through hands-on workshops and mentorship, he empowers students to embrace social entrepreneurship, sharing his expertise and guiding them in building their own impact-driven projects.
Sajitha Srivelan, Sustainability Advisor - North Western Program Alliance: Saji has been a hands-on mentor in the YCA and ECG College Industry Intrapreneurship Program. Over six weeks, she worked closely with students in small groups and one-on-one sessions, providing patient, personalised guidance to align with their interests. Her efforts made complex construction industry concepts accessible and engaging for young learners.
Entrepreneurial Educator of the Year Finalists
Liz Green, SCECGS Redlands: At Redlands, Liz has embedded entrepreneurial thinking across the school, empowering students to solve meaningful problems and create value. Liz’s initiatives include a bespoke startup club and a forthcoming Year 10 Commercialisation Challenge, ensuring every student has access to relevant, connected, and impactful entrepreneurial learning.
Sa Danh, Seaton High School: Sa has championed the integration of entrepreneurial education across all curriculum areas, collaborating with leadership to redesign timetables and “create time” for every student to engage. Partnering with over 40 industry and community organisations, Sa connects classrooms with real-world opportunities, fostering authentic learning experiences and valuable career insights.
Lorinda McVicar, Browns Plains State High School: Lorinda is a dedicated advocate for First Nations students, supporting cultural learning and personal growth through dance groups and cultural programs. Her efforts have boosted participation, increased attendance, and ensured students are confident and culturally grounded in their school journey.
Corlea Saayman, The Lakes College: Corlea has championed the $20 Boss program since 2012, inspiring students to think creatively and launch their own businesses. At TLC, she removes barriers by funding startup capital and connecting students through the YouCo venture. Corlea has also shared her expertise at the E3 Conference and teacher workshops, empowering educators to bring entrepreneurial learning into their classrooms.
Lyndall Craven, Good Shepherd Lutheran College: A true mentor and advocate for young entrepreneurs, Lyndall has transformed her school’s business program over the past four years. Her creative problem-solving workshops and encouragement of innovative thinking have empowered countless students to explore and develop original business ideas, shaping the next generation of business leaders.
Emma White, Gungahlin College: Emma’s passion for education shines through her work in Business, Accounting, and Economics. She has pioneered workshops on social entrepreneurship, organized guest speaker sessions, and facilitated work experience opportunities. Her implementation of the Digital Boss platform has equipped students with practical skills and a deeper understanding of social enterprises.
That’s a wrap…
Congratulations again to our 2024 Finalists!
If you’re interested in partnering with Young Change Agents for the 2025 Teens in Business Awards or would like to support these young entrepreneurs, please reach out to hello@youngchangeagents.com