Phenomenal growth for Enterprise Scheme (YES)

29 March 2005

Phenomenal growth for Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) in Northland

Close to three hundred eager young enterprisers got together recently for introductory YES seminars and workshops, setting them up for their year ahead. YES Regional Coordinator David Templeton was overwhelmed by the response, up 100% from 2004. Sponsorship from Top Energy and Northpower supporting a Coordinator in every one of the 21 participating schools is certainly a factor in this success, not to mention the enthusiasm and passion of young Northlanders.

The secondary students attended workshops under the following key directorships: finance, sales and marketing, production, and communication. Tony Casey from Action International, a new national sponsor for the scheme, led the well received Managing Directors workshop, enthusing and inspiring our future leaders. Other invaluable workshops were run by representatives from the private sector including Mahmood Kahn, BDO Spicers, Sasha Webb, CPR etc, Mark Wilson, Enterprise New Zealand Trust and Frank Leadley and Lindsey Banta from Enterprise Northland.

David said it was invaluable for these students to get first hand advice from business people in the community, enhancing the “real experience” that the scheme offers to Northland’s budding young entrepreneurs. The fact that the students can see first hand the relevance of the programme and have the opportunity to engage in self directed learning ensures a high level of enthusiasm.

The students were also presented with a challenge from sponsor ACC, to come up with a concept for a new summer safety product or service. The creativity demonstrated by the groups of students in both the product concepts and the presentations was among the best in the country. A sure sign of a great year ahead - watch this space!

Schools from across the region involved in YES this year are Taipa Area School, Whangaroa College, Taipa Area School, Springbank School, Kerikeri High School, Okaihau College, Bay of Islands College, Northland College, Opononi Area School, Kamo Christian College, Kamo High School, Tikipunga High School, Whangarei Girls’ High School, Whangarei Boys’ High School , Pompallier Catholic College, Bream Bay College, Otamatea High School, Ruawai College and Dargaville High School.

-ends-

© Scoop Media