Young Enterprise Scheme

One of the ways the Chamber contributes to a positive future for business is by delivering The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) across Southland on behalf of the Young Enterprise Trust.

YES takes Year 12 and 13 students through a series of authentic real-world entrepreneurial experiences to help young people to thrive in business and in life.

Students form a YES business at the start of the school year, create their own unique product or service and take it to market. Throughout the year they attend events that mirror the process start-up businesses go through – including developing business and marketing plans; and receiving guidance and mentoring from business people.

Our goal is to help young people thrive in business and in life, inspire students to be innovative and creative, develop work-ready skills and an entrepreneurial spirit.  

The support of our sponsors makes YES such an authentic and positive experience for our students, and we consider ourselves very lucky to have so many passionate people supporting the programme. Locally this includes Southern Institute of Technology, Findex, South Port NZ Ltd, Craigs Design & Print, COIN South, What’s on Invers, VetSouth, Community Trust South and ILT. Click here to view our national family of sponsors.

Join our Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme Southland Facebook group to keep up-to-date with local YES news and upcoming events.