Budding pen makers, fitness fanatics, marketeers and cooks have been recognised for their entrepreneurship in the 2015 $20 Boss Awards.

The awards are the culmination of the in-school challenge which provides students with $20 of start-up money to plan, budget and market their own business idea over a month.

Some of the businesses started included fitness boot-camps, school based cafes, garden art designers and t-shirt manufacturers.

To celebrate the success of the businesses, students across Australia will be sharing in more than $30,000 prize money, with entries received for award categories, including, Most Enterprising School, Social Entrepreneur Award and Best Business Award.

The program has been developed by the Foundation for Young Australians in partnership with the National Australia Bank (NAB).

Leigh O’Neill, Executive General Manager Micro and Small Business, said the program has helped young participants gain hands-on experience in skills like project management, budget, planning and business that will kick-start their preparation for the world of work.

“NAB supports $20 Boss because we believe all Australians should have a healthy relationship with money, and we are passionate about the role we can play for Australian businesses.”

“We know that individuals are more likely to build that positive relationship by starting early. $20 Boss gives young people the opportunity to build enterprise skills and entrepreneurial mindsets; and ultimately consider a future where they run their own small business.”

“Small businesses are a vital contributor to the Australian economy and we’re arming these young people with the skills they need to be a part of that.”

FYA CEO Jan Owen AM said $20 Boss was equipping participants with enterprising skills necessary for navigating the jobs of the future.

“By partnering with NAB to deliver $20 Boss we are equipping young people with enterprising skills to be the driving force behind creating real and sustainable social change.

“It’s imperative that education incorporates the principles that will help them to establish themselves as the innovators, creators and entrepreneurs of the future.”

For more information on the winners from each state, please visit http://20boss.fya.org.au/.