The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) is an experiential programme where students set up and run a real business. YES helps students develop knowledge in operating a small business, team building, relationship management, meeting procedures, record keeping, the legal requirements for running a business, and the process of reporting company performance.

The value of the programme is far-reaching, providing students with skills to equip them for life after school. The YES experience adds depth to a resume when seeking employment.

Young Enterprise Scheme is managed in the Waikato – King Country region by Smart Waikato.

YES is open to ALL Years 12 and 13 students in the Waikato-King Country, regardless of whether they take part as a school – YES Connect has been developed to include entrepreneurial Years 12 and 13 students not participating in the programme through school.

Regional Awards 2024

Waikato secondary school students took home top honours at the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme Waikato Regional Awards in October.

Congratulations to the Wintec Regional Company of the Year… Swiff from Hauraki Plains College!

Swiff provide innovative, eco-friendly odour elimination solutions, focusing on sustainability.

Swiff’s product features an all-natural odour neutralising powder made from baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and coconut shell activated charcoal, which absorbs odours in items like shoes, gloves and cupboards. It also includes two wool spheres and a fragrance oil.

Congratulations also to Foster Construction’s joint Runners Up: Catto & Buni, from Sacred Heart Girls College Hamilton, and Urth Aura, from Paeroa College!

Catto & Buni produce and sell original colouring pages that celebrate Filipino culture and provide a connection for Filipino children living away from home. Each page is unique work of art that tells a story. The team has also launched 23 page ‘Learn Tagalog with Catto & Buni’ book.

Urth Aura create wearable works of art with their range of handmade crystal jewellery. Each piece is one of a kind, with products including crystal pendants, ear cuffs and earrings. They offer options for their customers to customise their jewellery, creating you the perfect piece for your collection!