At Young Enterprise, we believe every young person deserves the confidence, capability, and agency to shape their own future.
Building
New Zealand's
Future, One Young Person at a Time
The YES Journey
YES is more than a business programme. It’s a hands-on experience that takes students from an idea to running a real business. Explore the journey.
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The YES Effect
The YES Effect is what happens after the programme ends. It’s the stories of businesses launched, careers shaped, confidence built, and futures transformed.
“I learned how to adapt, work under pressure, and collaborate with new people. Those experiences opened doors to building the largest student-led startup community in Aotearoa, and to incredible opportunities at Stanford University.”— Prabhjot Singh Sodhi, YES Class of 2022
“YES has been one of the most impactful parts of my journey so far, not only because of the opportunities it has provided, but because of the people I’ve met and the chance to give back through mentoring”— Ngapuhi Kraus, YES Class of 2023
“What started as a school project has shaped the path of my career, and it’s why I couldn’t recommend YES more to students willing to take that first step and build something of their own”— Hamish Stayt, YES Class of 2020
“YES helped me build the confidence and skills to tackle one of NZ’s biggest waste challenges… the 350 million plastic plant post that end up in landfill every year”— Elisa Harley, YES Class of 2024
“Many entrepreneurs in Aotearoa grew up with Young Enterprise at school - Leighton and I are proud to be two of them.”— Brooke Roberts, Co-founder and Co-CEO, Sharesies
“I spent a year studying in Japan, and returned for an internship, opportunities I pursued after I experienced business challenges at BizVenture Japan with YES.”— Joel Taylor, YES Class of 2023
Teach YES
“I've been teaching YES at Aparima College since 2011. That first year, one of my companies came runner-up in the Regional competition and the CEO, Kristen, decided to do a BCom at Lincoln. It made me realise the power of Young Enterprise to change lives. Kristen now runs her own company in the real world, the first of many of our Aparima YES students to do so.”
- Lynne Grove, YES Teacher of the Year 2025
Become a YES Volunteer
One conversation can change a young person’s future.
YES volunteers bring learning to life by sharing real-world experience, asking great questions, and helping students navigate the challenges of building a business.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, professional, business owner, or industry expert, your experience can help unlock potential in the next generation.
Join our YES Alumni Network
Gain access to alumni news, exclusive events, networking opportunities, and resources after YES.
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