On 23 May, our Level 2 and 3 Commerce students travelled to Cromwell to present their business ventures as part of the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES).

The feedback from judges, teachers, and attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on the creativity, professionalism, and maturity each group displayed. These hands-on experiences, where students pitch real businesses to real-world judges, deliver the kind of learning that no textbook can replicate.

Each company had developed a unique product or service and presented its branding, production plan, marketing strategy, and financials. Judges challenged them with thoughtful questions, and students responded with clarity, composure, and insight that impressed everyone in the room.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the standout student-led enterprises:

Clean Comfort – Natural Hand Sanitiser

The panel commended this team for their polished and well-rehearsed pitch. The product’s scent and moisturising, non-sticky texture were well received. Judges loved the team’s initiative in funding their start-up through a bake sale and appreciated the integration of Te Ao Māori in their branding. They were encouraged to look into bulk partnerships to bring down production costs and further scale their business.

Bee-licious – Beeswax Lip Balm

Described as a “wonderful” and “very cool” idea, Bee-licious delivered a professional and engaging presentation. Judges praised the packaging and were impressed by the team’s understanding of beeswax’s benefits for both consumers and bee sustainability. Suggestions were made to strengthen the product’s unique identity by incorporating local elements that tie it more closely to Central Otago.

NeGuards – Customisable Mouthguards

This group presented a well-thought-out product that stood out for its emphasis on individuality and personal branding. The judges loved the idea of customised sports gear and encouraged the group to envision high-profile athletes wearing their product. Questions around hygiene and biohazards were well handled, with clear protocols explained. Their financial planning and marketing strategy were also strong.

Aroma Felts – Felt Air Fresheners

Aroma Felts stood out for their focus on mental well-being and sustainability. Their prototype made a late appearance, and coupled with the heartfelt message behind the business, it resonated well. Judges said they would personally buy the product and encouraged the team to further push both the handmade element and the well-being message. 

Go Gummy – Functional Wellness Gummies

Go Gummy impressed by offering the panel a sample to try, enhancing their pitch with real-world interaction. Judges praised the team’s explanation of the ingredients and benefits of their gummies. With a strong price point and innovation in the wellness space, this team showed promise. One judge also complimented them as “good thinkers” and applauded their continued evolution from the ideas seen in the previous year’s YES teams.

Vacmate – Multi-Function Vacuum Attachment

Vacmate’s pitch was noted for its clever value-adding features, including an LED light and product warranty. Their promotional thinking and attention to household needs gave the product commercial viability.

Rakihi - Lip Balm

Rakihi wowed the panel from the start by gifting each judge a sample. Their presentation was described as “fire,” and their strong financials, including a clear break-even analysis, were well received. The judges were intrigued by the reference to a “secret ingredient” and noted their excellent production diagram and overall professionalism.

Across the board, judges commented on how well-prepared, passionate, and knowledgeable the students were. They appreciated the range of unique ideas, attention to market trends, and the level of critical thinking on display. For many of the teams, this event marked a major step forward in developing their business confidence and public speaking skills.

A huge thank-you goes to Cromwell College for hosting, to the supportive judges for their valuable feedback, and to our wider school community for backing these young innovators.

With talent like this emerging, the future of New Zealand business is in good hands.