The 23 year old founder of mini motocross business, braaap, has been named runner up in the Junior Chamber International Creative Young Entrepreneur Award, recently announced in Osaka, Japan.

At the age of 16, Smith started braaap out of his parent’s garage. At 18 he travelled to China to find his own suppliers and manufacturers and began importing to Australia to sell. The business makes and imports about 2,000 custom motocross bikes a year.

The company now has four stores across Victoria and Tasmania including one franchised operation.

“I’ve got a five year expansion map in place to open around 50 franchise stores across Australia, with the help of [franchising specialist] DC Strategy. I’ve begun negotiations to enter the US market in early 2011,” Smith said.

He is the first Australian to reach the finalist stage of the awards, which were designed to recognise outstanding young entrepreneurs.

“I was stoked to get this far. it’s a real honour to be named runner up and to be the first Australian to be a finalist in the awards.”

Other awards under Smith’s belt include the 2009 Young Entrepreneur of the Year, national winner of 2008 and 2009 Young Small Business Entrepreneur in the Small Business Champion Awards and the 2008 Pride of Australia medal finalist.

“My one piece of advice for anybody looking to start up their own business is that you need to be set on what you’re going to achieve with the end goal in mind, but be flexible in your approach,” Smith said.