The 2024 Melbourne Young Entrepreneur Awards lit up the city’s business landscape on 17th of October, honouring some of Melbourne's brightest young business minds. Hosted at The Park Hyatt, the evening was an unforgettable celebration of talent, vision, and commitment, with Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) Melbourne proud to sponsor this esteemed event.
Two of EO Melbourne's own members, Costa Vasili and Benjamin Circosta, were recognised with awards in their respective categories—making waves not only within their industries but also across the wider entrepreneurial community.
Celebrating Culinary Creativity: Ben Circosta, Winner of the Food & Beverage Category
EO Melbourne member and Bippi founder Benjamin Circosta took home the award in the Food & Beverage category, marking a significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey. His company, Bippi, has made its mark in Australia’s vibrant food scene, delivering memorable culinary experiences that captivate everyday Australians. Reflecting on his win, Circosta shared, “I was truly shocked to have won Melbourne’s Young Entrepreneur Award for the Food & Beverage category! It was a great opportunity to reflect back and thank the many people that have helped Bippi get to this point.”
Ben extended congratulations to his fellow winners and expressed gratitude for the EO Melbourne community, including Costa Vasili, who has been both a mentor and an inspiration throughout his journey. Ben’s enthusiasm for future possibilities captures the spirit of Melbourne’s food and drink innovators, who continue to shape the country's culinary reputation.
Redefining Specialist Services: Costa Vasili, Winner of the Specialist Services Category
In the Specialist Services category, EO Melbourne member and Ethnolink founder Costa Vasili was celebrated for his pioneering work in language and cultural communication. Ethnolink bridges Australia’s linguistic diversity with businesses, ensuring communication that respects and includes every voice, regardless of language. Accepting his award, Costa highlighted the mission that drives Ethnolink, saying, “I'm proud of the work our incredible team is doing to transform how Australia communicates, ensuring every voice is heard—no matter the language.”
Costa’s leadership in cultural communication places Ethnolink at the heart of Australia's multiculturalism, where inclusivity isn’t just encouraged but becomes essential to business success and social harmony. His win underscores the vital role of culturally informed communication in modern business, and he dedicated the award to his team and the vision they share.
A Community-Driven Celebration of Young Talent
The Melbourne Young Entrepreneur Awards is more than a night of recognition; it’s an annual highlight that brings together a vibrant community of innovators, builders, and leaders. This year’s winners joined an exclusive network of like-minded entrepreneurs, sharing stories, swapping ideas, and creating connections that promise to extend well beyond the awards night.
With EO Melbourne as a proud sponsor, the evening highlighted the organisation’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurial talent across the city. By fostering connections and encouraging growth within a diverse membership base, EO Melbourne continues to be a driving force behind Melbourne’s entrepreneurial success stories.
Congratulations to Ben, Costa, and all the other winners and nominees whose determination and ingenuity were celebrated at this year’s Melbourne Young Entrepreneur Awards. This night reaffirmed that Melbourne is home to some of the nation’s most promising business leaders—individuals who are not only shaping the present but actively building the future.