Matthew Mowbrey and Taran Brown didn’t meet in a boardroom or at a big-city networking event. They first connected over coffee in a small, sunlit café on the Sunshine Coast. Despite coming from different professional worlds, they quickly discovered a shared passion: helping young people gain the skills and confidence to build something of their own.

Taran grew up immersed in his family’s business, learning from an early age what it takes to keep a company thriving. As he got older, he branched out, creating new business opportunities and building ventures that reflected his vision and drive. He knew firsthand the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship—and how important it is to have guidance and encouragement along the way.

Matthew came from a background in law, where he worked closely with entrepreneurs to navigate the complex legal landscape of starting and protecting a business. He’d seen how just a little clarity and support could empower someone to move from an idea to a sustainable venture.

Over countless conversations (and more than a few refills of coffee), they began to imagine a society that wouldn’t just talk about entrepreneurship but would actively equip the next generation—with practical knowledge, mentorship, and the inspiration to take action. They wanted to demystify business ownership, show kids and teens what’s possible, and connect them with professionals ready to share their expertise.

In 2025, that vision came to life as the Sunshine Coast Entrepreneurship Society, a non-profit dedicated to sparking curiosity and building skills in young entrepreneurs across the region. Together, Matthew and Taran have gathered a network of educators, business owners, and community leaders who share their commitment to helping youth dream big—and take action.

Today, the Society’s events, workshops, and conferences reflect the same spirit that brought Matthew and Taran together: a belief that with the right support, young people can transform their ideas into something remarkable.