It’s been exciting to see our Year 13 Business Studies students taking bold steps into the world of entrepreneurship through their involvement in the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES).
This nationally recognised programme challenges students to turn innovative ideas into fully functioning businesses, while developing key skills in leadership, collaboration, and commercial thinking.
This year our students have launched 11 diverse and creative ventures, ranging from a mental health podcast and nutritional supplements to bespoke jewellery crafted from beach-foraged materials. Other standout initiatives include a canned peach tea brand, a language-learning board game, a scooter repair service, recycled coasters, a DIY building kit, and a racing simulator experience. Notably, one group has developed a social enterprise focused on recycling at sports events — a timely and impactful business model with sustainability at its core.
As part of the YES programme, students complete a series of real-world challenges alongside their internal NCEA assessments. Most recently, they took part in a Pitch Challenge, presenting their business concepts to a panel of local entrepreneurs and business leaders. This event provided an invaluable opportunity for students to receive constructive feedback, refine their value propositions, and build confidence in a professional setting.
We’re incredibly proud of the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit our students have demonstrated through this programme. They are not only gaining academic credits, but also real-world experience that will serve them well in any future endeavour.
Keep an eye out for their products and ventures in the coming weeks — students will be sharing and selling their work within the school and wider community. Your support makes a real difference as these young entrepreneurs take their first steps into the world of business.