The Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) is designed to inspire the next generation of business leaders, disruptors, and changemakers, helping to create a new generation of business-savvy New Zealanders. Senior secondary students take part in the programme to set up and run their own small enterprise, supported by teachers, schools, local organisations, and delivered by the Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce.

The Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market (HBFM) has been running for over 20 years, celebrating local producers, and providing an avenue to reach the public. HBFM have supported YES since 2001, allowing YES teams to bring their innovative product offerings to market and inviting their community to celebrate their success.

All the YES teams who take part in the HBFM experience are supported by a wonderful group of people including, Francesca Arlidge YES HB Regional Coordinator from the Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce, business mentors, teachers, whanau and their local business community.

Market Manager, Emma Waerea speaks to the integral nature of YES participation in the market, “we really enjoy being able to host this fantastic event, and to be able to support the Young Enterprise Scheme students”. Of the products and services on offer Emma says they are, “increasing [in] quality each year, so we look forward to seeing what this year’s students have in store for us”.

Francesca Arlidge, YES HB Regional Coordinator, shares her excitement for the students at the “opportunity for teams to network within a public setting, and gain real-life sales experience, and effectively scope out what other students around the region have been busy creating!” As YES Alumni, Francesca also shares “just how important it is for our community to get involved in supporting these teams.” She highlights that, “almost 7 months of hard work has been put into the development of their product/service.”

The first YES Market Day will be held at The Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market in the Waikoko Gardens at Tomoana Showgrounds on Sunday 14th August, gates open at 8:30 am. The teams are fortunate enough to have another selling opportunity the following weekend at the Napier Urban Farmers Market, on the 20th of August in Clive Square. Come along and celebrate this new generation of business people, selling alongside regular Hastings market stall holders, there will be something for everyone.

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