HSBC YEA to recognise young entrepreneurs

HSBC Youth Enterprise Awards (YEA) a business plan contest, aims at recognise young entrepreneurs and supporting them to start their own businesses. It is organised by the British Council in partnership with HSBC.

The contest is open to persons between 18-30 years representing universities, private higher education institutes, technical and vocational institutions and professional training bodies in the country.

The categories include creative industries such as fashion design, architecture and crafts, tourism, hospitality, leisure and travel, information technology and telecommunications, medical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology, engineering, agriculture, renewable energy and sustainable industries as well as the open category.

Each category winner-individual or team with seed capital of Rs 100,000 to support them can establish their own enterprises. The winners will be mentored by a professional for six months.

CEO HSBC Nick Nicolaou said that it is a good opportunity for young people to participate and unlock their potential to reach the helm of success.

Country Director British Council Sri Lanka Tony Reilly said, that Sri Lanka's peace dividends have opened new doors to many people. Young, bright, innovative individuals throughout the island can start their own enterprises. Instead of becoming job seekers they can now become job creators.

The HSBC Youth Enterprise are designed to tap into and nurture the rich talent in this country, enabling Sri Lanka's next generation entrepreneurs to take advantage of today's abundant opportunities and the British Council is delighted to partner HSBC in this venture, Reilly said.