YECSI Launches 11 Awards to Recognize Young Entrepreneurs Nationwide

The Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) has officially launched 11 award categories for this year’s 2025 YECSI Awards, marking a major milestone in recognizing the achievements of young business leaders across the country.

Themed “Powering Progress: Young Entrepreneurs Shaping Tomorrow,” this year’s awards aim to celebrate the creativity, innovation, and resilience of young Solomon Islanders who are driving economic growth and community development.

YECSI Coordinator and Board Members display the YECSI Events logo following the launch of the 2025 YECSI Awards, themed “Powering Progress: Young Entrepreneurs Shaping Tomorrow.”

In an interview with YECSI Board Members, they highlighted that the 2025 edition of the awards has expanded from five categories in 2022 to 11 categories this year, reflecting the growing strength and diversity of the youth entrepreneurship movement in the Solomon Islands.

The 11 award categories include:

1.    Prime Minister’s Awards 2025

2.    Most Committed Entrepreneur of the Year

3.    Most Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year

4.    Most Improved Male Entrepreneur of the Year

5.    Most Improved Female Entrepreneur of the Year

6.    Agri-business of the Year

7.    Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year

8.    E-Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year

9.    Provincial Entrepreneur of the Year

10. Giving Back to Community Award

11. Association Awards

YECSI Coordinator Moses Jnr Aunama said the new categories are designed to recognize entrepreneurs across Solomon Islands under YECSI including those involved in agribusiness, tourism, and digital ventures.

He confirmed that nominations are now open and will close on October 24, 2025. Only registered YECSI members are eligible to nominate and be nominated. Forms can be collected from the YECSI office or requested via email, with submissions accepted both in person and electronically for provincial members.

“With 14 days left, I encourage all our members to collect their nomination forms as soon as possible. Any form received after October 24 will not be considered,” Mr. Aunama said.

He added that an independent judging panel will assess all nominations to ensure transparency and fairness, while sponsors will also name individual awards after their organizations.

The 2025 YECSI Awards Night is scheduled for November 6, 2025, where winners will be officially announced and celebrated for their outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship and community development.

YECSI also acknowledged the continued support of major sponsors of the events including Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Commerce, and Ministry of Agriculture and Our Telecom as communications partner.

YECSI further extended its appreciation to its traditional partners — the Youth Development Division under the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI).

The organization now represents more than 170 members across nine provinces. At this Youth Awards Night, YECSI will also announces young entrepreneurs who are transitioning from informal to formal business operations.