News
The future is looking bright as this year’s talented high school business students from throughout Southland prepare for The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme Trade Fair.
A number of year 12 and 13 students from Aparima College, James Hargest College, Southland Girls High School, Mt Aspiring College, and Southland Boys’ High School have been taking part in The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) since the beginning of the year.
Coordinated by Chamber of Commerce Southland with a focus on business viability, the scheme is supported by our Regional Partner Southern Institute of Technology; regional sponsors, community funders, schools and business mentors.
Eight YES businesses will present all their hard work to the public at a Trade Fair, on Sunday, 21 August, at the Southern Farmers Market, from 9.30am – 1.30pm.
Students will be exhibiting their products and services giving the public the opportunity to see, buy and try exactly what these future entrepreneurs have been working on and just what could be in store for Southland in the future.
Chamber of Commerce Southland YES Coordinator Joanne O’Connor says ‘‘ This is not a school project or a textbook course, students invest real money into their business, product real products or services and deal with profits and losses. It’s an exciting journey for all those involved.”
They pay tax on their profits and submit an annual report and tax return before the school year ends. Joanne says one of the most important components of the scheme is the skills and strengths the students develop which include problem solving and negotiation, communication and interpersonal relations.
Self-management, co-operation and numeracy skills – including budgeting, planning, reporting and managing risk are further issues students face when taking part in the scheme. YES incorporates a number of programmes, events and award presentations throughout the year, all aimed at helping the students in their quest to run a successful business.
The YES year concludes in October, with the End of Year Awards where the students celebrate their success. The Southland Company of the Year will represent the region at the national awards in Wellington where Southland holds a proud history of award success.