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How the 40 Under 40 Awards are helping transform South Australian businesses

David O’Loughlin from KWP! encourages South Australia’s young business leaders to apply for this year’s 40 Under 40 Awards.

Apr 17, 2019, updated Aug 29, 2019

Presented by InDaily, the awards celebrate the passion, vision and achievements of the state’s finest young business people under the age of 40.

All 40 Under 40 finalists receive invitations to a range of workshops and a one-day Business Growth Program thanks to ANZ and the Australian Centre for Business Growth, University of South Australia and a ticket to the awards dinner valued at $155.

All applications are viewed by South Australia’s Chief Entrepreneur Jim Whalley, who also chairs the judging panel.

There are also several major prizes including business consultations and a director’s course.

KWP! Joint Managing Director David O’Loughlin has returned to the 40 Under 40 judging panel in 2019 and said he was impressed by the calibre of entries in 2018.

He said nominees who missed out last year – especially those who have further developed their careers in the past 12 months – should apply again.

“Things are evolving and to see the vast array of businesses and sectors that the applicants came from is something that really struck me and I think it will only get better as the word gets out,” O’Loughlin said.

“I wish there was an opportunity to recognise more people because a lot of the ones who just missed out were really fabulous too and it was a really hard decision to pick just 40 people out of such an amazing crop.

“The whole concept of entrepreneurialism is something I think this state has always had and we want to do whatever we can as a business to support it.”

KWP! sponsored the State Contribution Award last year, which was won by Carmen Garcia and allowed her to spend a the past year working with O’Loughlin to build her business.

Garcia, who returns to the awards as a panellist this year, said being named in the inaugural 40 Under 40 list in 2018 has helped her consultancy firm Community Corporate.

“There really is a community here in South Australia ready to back small business – it has been the biggest ride of my life and I can’t believe it’s been 12 months,” she said.

“I’ve nearly doubled my staff, I’ve secured government contracts and I’ve been invited to speak at so many events.

“It’s been an absolute whirlwind and I strongly encourage anyone to put their hand up and be part of this community.”

Garcia’s award was a year’s worth of consultancy with KWP!.

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David O’Loughlin and Carmen Garcia.

This year’s major prize categories are:

Inspiring Disruptor Award  recognises the vision, thought leadership and achievement of a leader in the private or public sector. Thanks to OTR;

Creative Thinker Award  for the person who best demonstrates creative thinking in relation to any aspect of their business and uses innovation to progress. Thanks to KWP!
;

Inspiring Future Collaboration Award  
recognises the ability to work with others innovatively to produce something of lasting value in either the private or public sector. Thanks to Renewal SA;

Rural and Regional Award  celebrates an individual who demonstrates influence and leadership in contributing to the prosperity of a rural or regional business and community. Thanks to Piper Alderman;

Entrepreneurial Award recognises an outstanding lateral business thinker and risk taker exhibiting entrepreneurial flair. Thanks to William Buck, and;

First Among Equals Award is selected by the judging panel as the finalist who embodies the 40 Under 40 as the First Among Equals. Thanks to the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Nominations close on Thursday, April 25. Winners will be celebrated at an awards dinner at the National Wine Centre on June 6.

Topics: 40 Under 40
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