Focus on youth entrepreneurship welcomed

Focus on youth entrepreneurship welcomed

Young Enterprise Trust

8 April 2016

Young Enterprise Trust has today welcomed the Labour Party’s policy announcement on youth entrepreneurship. The Labour Party’s Young Entrepreneurs Plan offers 18-23 year old’s access to funding to support a start-up business.

“We are very happy to see an increasing focus on youth entrepreneurship,” say Robyn Frey, Acting CEO of Young Enterprise. “There is a growing awareness of the importance of our young entrepreneurs, and the need to support them.”

“Entrepreneurship is now being recognised as a valid career option, and we think that is vital to New Zealand’s long-term growth. Initiatives like this will enable our next generation of business leaders,” said Frey.

“This announcement follows on from the Ministry of Youth Development’s Youth Enterprise Fund and programmes like Venture Up and Live the Dream. We’re delighted to see political parties recognising that young entrepreneurs deserve investment.”

Young Enterprise Trust has been working with young people for more than 35 years. Its’ longest running programme is The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES), where secondary students set up a small business while at school. Alumni include Charlie’s co-founder Stefan Lepionka, Kono CEO Rachel Taulelei and Movac partner Mark Vivian.

The benefits of taking part in entrepreneurship education can be significant for young people.

“When we surveyed our 2015 students, 75% said they were more interested in starting their own business as a result of YES,” says Frey. “Obviously our students learn business skills such as marketing and financial management, but perhaps even more importantly, they improve their confidence, time management, communication and team work skills. These skills will be beneficial in any future pathway.”

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