Aston University business enterprise development students take home prizes at awards to celebrate young entrepreneurs
Two startup businesses run by Aston University business enterprise development students have won prizes in an awards scheme to celebrate young entrepreneurs.
The EPIC Young Entrepreneur Awards 2023 celebrate and recognise the achievements of young people, especially those who have faced adversity and/or the care of a local authority, to become a startup business.
ArtByZakia
ArtByZakia, a company focused on creating personalised and handmade gifts, was shortlisted for Practical Prodigy and for Inclusion Champion, winning the Inclusion Champion Award. Its founder is Zakia Ashraf, a BSc Business Enterprise Development graduate 2020-2023.
Zakia Ashraf, a BSc Business Enterprise Development graduate (2020-2023) and founder of ArtByZakia, said:
"It's a privilege to be recognised at the EPIC Awards. ArtByZakia has been a passion of mine for several years, providing inclusive clothing and jewellery that ensures diverse community representation. I've been lucky enough to build my business alongside and with the support of my team on the BSc Business Enterprise Development programme at Aston University. I look forward to seeing what comes next post-graduation."
Brainy Bar
Brainy Bar, which produces energy bars that are hand-made from natural ingredients, was shortlisted for Health and Wellness Champion and for Fresh Taste, winning the Fresh Taste Award.
Both Brainy Bar and Art By Zakia were also shortlisted for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which had a public vote, and Brainy Bar made it through to the final three.
Dominik Kulcsar, a BSc Business Enterprise Development student and operation manager of BrainyBar, said:
"Winning the Fresh Taste award is the manifestation of 10 months of resilience, commitment and perseverance in bringing a truly innovative health and nutrition bar to market, despite all the challenges along the way. We believe this external recognition, as well as the 2023 Aston Enterprise Pitch Competition win & the people's vote already under our belt will give us the credentials necessary to differentiate ourselves in a crowded market and be recognised as a young leader within our industry. We are starting off this academic year strong, already being stocked in the Student Union's shop as of welcome week, with plans to expand into the Aston University ecosystem and beyond in the next quarter.”
