One hundred and fifteen pupils from 32 Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) teams presented with confidence during a mid year pitch challenge in Cromwell on Friday.

Dunstan High School head of social studies Conrad Herion said he was proud of his 45 pupils from 13 different start-up student businesses.

“They were well prepared, and the judges only had positive things to say.

“I heard the judges say after at least three presentations, "I would buy that"...The students loved the experience.”

Schools that had teams participating were Cromwell College, Dunstan High School, Queenstown's Liger Leadership Academy and Wānaka's Mount Aspiring College. 

There were a wide range of products pitched including candles, exercise supplements, organic skincare and tote bags.  

Judges who helped on the day were The Central App director Vicki McLean, Sidekick’s Lisa Lines, YES alumni Grace Croy (her team was regional champion last year for Second Harvest Sips), Central Otago district mayor Tamah Alley, and Findex partner Nigel Smellie.   

The Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) Programme in the Otago Region is delivered by Business South.

One of the DHS YES teams “Clean Comfort” are Brooke Huddleston, Dannika Pentecost, and Gabrielle Stratford. PHOTO: Business South

Friday was the second challenge in the YES programme where students earn points toward their overall score. The next step for students is to just sell as many as they can, and sale and promotion are key. 

Residents may see YES businesses out and about in the community or at school events in connection with Matariki as the year long programme rolls out.

Across the Otago region there are 70 teams and 337 pupils participating this year. 

YES organisers thanked Business South, the University of Otago Business School, Polson Higgs, Findex Central Otago, Otago Polytechnic, Downie Stewart Lawyers, and the Dunedin City Council’s Mayoral Discretionary Fund for their support of the programme. 

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