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 2025
The YES Waikato Regional Finals were held at Wintec’s Bill Gallagher Centre on Thursday, 16th October. Six top teams from schools across the Waikato region pitched their business ideas. In addition, two category award winners were recognised. There were a total of 64 attendees, including students, employers, teachers, and family members.
A special thank you to our judges — Jenny MacGregor (Waikato Chamber of Commerce), Jo Mackie (EMA), Suria O’Brien (Waikato Pacific Business Network), and Priscilla Davis-Ngatai (Wintec).
We also extend our thanks to our generous sponsors and representatives: CAL Isuzu (Lourens Odendaal), Fosters (Hunter Moon), Waikato Business News (Mary Anne Gill), Ministry for Primary Industries (Carlos Jacome) and Gallagher Charitable Trust for their support of the Young Enterprise Scheme in the Waikato.
Congratulations to this year’s award winners
Regional Champion
Wintec
Strap’n’Stroll
Sacred Heart Girls’ College
Runner Up
Smart Waikato
CycleSis
Tokoroa High School
Excellence in Financial Management
Waikato Chamber of Commerce
Platter Perfection
Waikato Diocesan School for Girls’
Best Pasifika Business
Waikato Pacific Business Network
CycleSis
Tokoroa High School
Excellence in Innovation
Fosters
Strap’n’Stroll
Sacred Heart Girls’ College
Best Social Enterprise
Wintec
MindThread
Tokoroa High School
Excellence in Production
EMA
EcoSuds
Waikato Diocesan School for Girls’
Excellence in Sales & Marketing
Waikato Business News
Aromaglo
Hauraki Plains College
Excellence in Agricultural Sustainability & Best Annual Review
Ministry for Primary Industries
Re-Leashed
Hauraki Plains College
Best Service Business
Cal Isuzu
Revive & Ride
Ngaruawahia High School