Your big break

GOT a great idea but just lack the cash to get it off the ground? The Nescafe Big Break could be your answer.

The competition helps ambitious young go-getters aged between 16 and 24 get their dream up and running by providing grants between $5000 and $50,000.

Inaugural Big Break winner John Fordham, who recently worked as musical director for Australian Idol, used the funds to record his first jazz album in 1990.

"It's an extremely generous award so you need to think about how you will spend the money,"Fordham, who is one of the Big Break judges, said.

"The judges are keen to see that the money is going to be spent wisely, so formulate a plan and think long-term benefits."

Entries close on May 31; winners are announced in October. See www.nescafebigbreak.com.au or phone 1800 630 630.