7 November 2023
Young Enterprise YES Regional Finals 2023
Excitement was in the air as the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) Southland region gathered to celebrate the budding entrepreneurs of tomorrow at the Regional Finals of 2023. The event, showcasing YES high achieving businesses, was nothing short of remarkable. Among the stars of the day ‘Treet Yourself’ from Aparima College clinched the title of Southland’s Company of the Year. Their innovative business venture left an indelible mark on the judges. A company passionate to address the environmental crisis in Aotearoa- offering affordable tree plantings.
Not to be outdone, Tess McGregor of James Hargest College emerged as the Enterpriser of the Year for her outstanding contributions to the ‘HitMe!’ Gummy Sweets for diabetics. Treet Yourself, the winning Southland Company of the Year will go on to compete in the National Final in December, with the opportunity to present their enterprise at the Lion Foundation National Awards Gala Dinner in Wellington.
While the judges deliberated, attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Langlands, and anticipation built for the Southland YES Excellence Awards. Seven excellence awards were presented to the best in each category, recognising the hard work and dedication of these talented young entrepreneurs.
The Young Enterprise Scheme continues to be a powerful platform for fostering the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and real life learnings.
2023 YES Southland Regional Final Winners:
- South Port Award for Social Enterprise: Ginger Bear Journals
- Findex Award for Innovation: HitMe!
- NZAS Award for Sales and Marketing: SoapCraft
- SBS Bank Award for Resilience: Ginger bear Journals
- VetSouth Award for Primary Industries: Treet Yourself
- ILT Murihiku Mover & Shaker Award: Treet Yourself
- COIN South Award for Know You Why: Endless Secondhand
Congratulations to all of our winners and finalists! A big thank you to the sponsors of YES Southland for 2023.
