Young Enterprise Scheme National Awards 2017
Congratulations to the group of students (Olelei) from Henderson High School in Auckland who have been awarded first place as The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) Company of the Year.
Over 860 student led businesses were created through YES this year with the winner being announced at the National Awards dinner held at the TSB Arena in Wellington on Wednedsay, 6 December 2017.
The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme this year helped 3,600 secondary students create and run a small business. Olelei, which created an almond based and dairy alternative product range, was also mentioned as one of the top teenage entrepreneurs in the world for 2017.
To win the national title, 23 teams pitched their business to the national judging panel, which included leading CEOs, company directors and venture capitalists.
Olelei CEO Matt Billington said "YES has been a life changing experience. It's helped us develop personal and interpersonal skills that will enable us to take Olelei even further in 2018".
Young Enterprise CEO Terry Shubkin commented on last night's awards "The standard of businesses we see every year just keeps getting better. The company's they're creating are more culturally, socially and environmentally aware as well as being incredibly business savvy."
Olelei received a $3000 cash prize, and each member of the team also received a $5000 scholarship from Massey Business School.
18 student entrepreneurs and business leaders received awards last night, with over $20,000 in cash prizes and $30,000 in scholarships announced as well. Here are just some of the winners:
- The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme Company of the Year 2017 - Olelei | Henderson High School, Auckland.
- The Sir John Todd Award for Second Place - Clearfree | Rangitoto College, Auckland.
- The Todd Foundation Award for Third Place - Earth to Earth | Westmount School, Canterbury.
- Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand Award for CEO of the Year - Jake Dunn, Bruthas | St John's College, Hastings
Chartered Accountants ANZ have been proud sponsors of the Young Enterprise Trust for nearly 10 years, together inspiring the next generation of difference makers throughout New Zealand.
View the full list of winners or find out more about the Young Enterprise Scheme.
*Original article by Young Enterprise Trust
(L-R) Buster Milani, Marion Noovao-McCamish, Matt Billington
(L-R) Will Cole, Josef Morgan, Max Lawton
(L-R) Jake Dunn, Peter Vial (NZ Country Head, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand)
Jake Dunn of St John's College, Hastings took out the title of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand CEO of the year for 2017. Jake had been recognised for his leadership and dedication to the shared vision of the team.