45 years
of Impact

Young Enterprise

For over four decades, Young Enterprise has been helping young people build confidence, capability, and agency through real-world entrepreneurial experiences.

Today, we operate as a national centre of excellence powered by passionate educators, volunteers, sponsors and regional delivery partners across New Zealand. Together, we’re building a more innovative, productive and prosperous future for Aotearoa.

Our Strategy

A strategic call to action for government, business and philanthropy

How We Deliver

We believe young people thrive when opportunities are delivered close to home.

That’s why Young Enterprise works alongside an amazing network of regional partners across Aotearoa.

Regional Partnerships

Our Annual Reports

2025 Annual Report

In 2025, we saw another year of strong growth across The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES), with 5,087 students stepping into the world of entrepreneurship and launching real businesses in communities throughout Aotearoa.

These young innovators represented 1,465 student-led companies, supported by the commitment and engagement of 206 secondary schools nationwide.


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  • 99 Students participated Business Sprints
  • 1173 Students participated in Business Challenges
  • 80 Students participated in the Innovation Challenge
2024 Annual Report

Young Enterprise had another successful year, with record breaking enrolments, incredible innovation and successful learning across Aotearoa.

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  • 5000+ Students Participating in YES
  • Over 85% of NZ Secondary Schools
  • 112 People attended the YES Alumni Awards
2023 Annual Report

We had a challenging start to the year with severe weather events and teacher strikes disrupting life both in and out of the classroom. Despite the disruptions the team did a great job ensuring learning activities were still delivered.

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  • 72% of Students feel More Confident
  • 20 Young Mothers participated in Teen Parent Workshops
  • 570 Teachers Downloaded a Young Enterprise Resource
2022 Annual Report

2022 marked over 40 years of Young Enterprise in New Zealand preparing young people to thrive in business, life and their communities. Our vision is to inspire students and unleash leaders for a prosperous New Zealand. We’re helping shape the future change makers and disruptors with programmes to help them at every age and at every step of the way.

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  • 90% Students said YES increased their Resilience
  • 50 Young Mothers participated in Teen Parent Units
  • 184 Students Participated in Toloa Programmes
2021 Annual Report

2021 marked 40 years of Young Enterprise in New Zealand preparing young people to thrive in business, life and their communities. We have a vision to inspire students and unleash leaders for a prosperous New Zealand. We’re helping shape the future change makers and disruptors.

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  • 1544 Students achieved the YES Micro Credential
  • 136 Students & Alumni participated in Extreme Experiences
  • 90 People attended the First ever YES Alumni Awards

Contact Us

[email protected]