Business Studio says YES to our next generation of entrepreneurs

Last week, Justine from Business Studio Innovators joined a panel of judges to assess startup pitches from over 40 secondary school teams across Te Tauihu as part of the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES). Selecting the top teams from such a talented group was no easy task!

The YES program is a national initiative that equips high school students with real-world entrepreneurial experience. Over the year, students form actual businesses—developing, validating, and bringing a product or service to market. They learn key skills across marketing, finance, operations, and leadership, supported by a network of mentors and coaches from the business community.

As both a business growth coach and regional sponsor, Justine is actively involved in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“It was an absolute privilege to be a mentor and judge for the Nelson Marlborough YES program,” she said. “I was genuinely impressed by the creativity, skill, and commitment these students brought to their businesses. The ambition they showed reflects the incredible potential in our region’s youth.”

“As a business coach based in Nelson, it was hugely rewarding to help guide these young innovators through the challenges and opportunities of startup life. The future of enterprise in Te Tauihu is clearly in capable hands.”

Justine also acknowledged the strong collaboration behind the program:

“A big thank you to my fellow judges from NMIT and OneFortyOne, and to the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce for delivering such a well-run, impactful initiative.”

Business Studio Innovators is proud to be a key regional sponsor of the YES program. Supporting emerging entrepreneurs aligns with our mission: to help local businesses start, grow and thrive—at every stage of their journey.

Cash prize winners

WordFrame from Marlborough Boys College – First - $200

Kahu Hoeta, Lawrence Piesse, Sanjiv Singh

ZenSha from Nelson College – Second – $150

Adam Bone, Alfie MacNeil, Roman Petterson

StrapXtreme from Marlborough Girls College– Third Equal - $80

Skye Gatjens, Maddie Large, Millie Large, Kate Withers

Felted Freshies from Nelson College for Girls – Third Equal - $80

Ella Edmonds.

Requirements of a YES company mentor

• Engage and challenge the students to help them make sound decisions

• Express business strategies and processes in a way that students can understand

• Act as a sounding board for the YES company

• Provide practical advice on product development, marketing etc, or help to find expertise

• Be available for the students to contact with questions

• Be able to work at the students’ pace

The success of the YES program is reliant on the involvement of the local business community. For more information, visit the regional page here or follow the Yes program on Instagram.

To find out more about our business coaching services, please book a free call here.