Teams say YES to a bright business future

Teams from Auckland secondary schools continued the region’s proud record of success in the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme’s (YES) national awards, announced at a glittering event in Wellington on Wednesday.

Auckland Central champions Nude Water, from St Cuthbert’s School, was runner up for the national title, while Bizz Broz from Pakuranga College (joint Auckland South champions) came third.

They were joined by category winners:

• TutorLink from Macleans College, ‘Innovation in ICT’

• El Paleo from Henderson High School, ‘Excellence in Pasifika Business' and 'Excellence in Sales & Marketing'

• Luna & Co from St Cuthbert’s, 'Excellence in Global Sales & Marketing'

• Closing the Loop from Takapuna Grammar, which won the 'Excellence In Innovation' award and has also sealed a deal for Palmers to stock its liquid fertiliser ‘tea bags’

• DexTech from Liston College, was named ‘Start Up Company of the Year’ – an award for the best team taking part in a shorter programme for year 11 students.

The YES programme – which involves students forming teams to come up with a real-life business product or service, and running their business for a year – is delivered across the region by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED).

This year, more than 1000 students from 36 Auckland schools took part in YES, forming about 150 small enterprises. They had mentoring from their teachers and mentors from the business community, took part in an annual trade fair, and a Dragon’s Den type pitch event.

ATEED also invited two of this year’s teams to take part in its ‘Auckland On the Menu’ stand at the Auckland Food Show.

Patrick McVeigh, ATEED general manager Economic Growth, says ATEED is targeting an expanded YES programme next year, seeking additional sponsors and at least 15 more schools:

“The Lion Foundation YES programme is an important pathway for the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators who will be crucial contributors to Auckland’s economic transformation,” says Patrick McVeigh.

Recent award-winning Auckland teams have gone on to refine and continue their successful business concepts after school, and forge new enterprises while studying.

“This year’s results, and the region’s recurring success at the national awards, reflect a level of innovation and business savvy which will help to ensure we continue to become a city where smart people want to do live and run successful businesses,” says Patrick McVeigh.

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