YES Regional Finals & Awards 2025

Registrations for this event have closed.  Please contact deanna@southlandchamber.co.nz

Join Us for an Unmissable Celebration of Southland’s Brightest Young Entrepreneurs! ????
Get ready for an inspiring day as we celebrate the incredible achievements of the 2025 Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) students! This is not just an event it's a showcase of innovation, resilience and the future of business.

We’re rolling out the red carpet for YES sponsors, mentors, families, supporters and Southland Business Chamber members for an electrifying night where Southland’s best and brightest take center stage.

Why You Can’t Miss This Event
These students have competed in four intense challenges, and now, the top 6 teams will pitch their business to a panel of expert judges, all competing for the title of The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Southland Company of the Year sponsored by McIntyre Dick. The winners will advance to the National Finals in Wellington to compete at the Lion Foundation National Awards Gala Dinner!

The Competition Heats Up
As the judges deliberate, guests will indulge in a delicious dinner followed by the grand Southland YES Regional Awards where seven prestigious awards will be given to the most outstanding businesses in categories like Resilience, Sales & Marketing, and more. Plus, the highly anticipated Enterpreneur of the Year and Lion Foundation Southland Company of the Year awards will be presented.

Event Schedule
5:30pm – Doors Open
6:00pm – Welcome & Kick-Off at Centre Stage Theatre (33 Don St)
6:15pm – Business Pitches by the Top 6 Teams
7:35pm – Dinner Break
8:20pm – Awards Ceremony
9:00pm – Event Concludes 

YES Southland Awards
Award for Financial Excellence – Sponsored by SBS Bank
Award for Primary Industries – Sponsored by Vet South
Award for Sales & Marketing – Sponsored by Rio Tinto | NZAS
Award for Resilience – Sponsored by South Port NZ Limited
Murihiku Mover & Shaker Award – Sponsored by Invercargill Licensing Trust (ILT)
Individual Awards
Southland Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 – Sponsored by Community Trust South
Young Enterprise Southland Company of the Year 2025 – Sponsored by McIntyre Dick

Be part of this celebration! Family and friends are invited to join us for this exciting event. If you'd like to join us for dinner, be sure to pre-register so we can cater for you. There will be a small fee to cover the cost of dinner.  Registrations close 20th October 2025. 
 
Your presence will make this event even more special as we celebrate the future leaders of business!
For inquiries, contact sheree@southlandchamber,co.nz

We look forward to celebrating with you, thanks to the generous support of our amazing sponsors!

 

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