Young entrepreneurs craft winning export strategy
Leadership Network members took a group of young entrepreneurs under their wing to guide them to first place in this year's Entrepreneurs in Action (EIA) event, held in Wellington recently.
The Foundation team of young entrepreneurs with Leadership Network mentors and the Foundation's Adviser (Leadership) Linh Le - third from left
Instead of school holidays, 66 New Zealand high school entrepreneurs spent a thrilling weekend immersed in the world of business, undertaking challenges that tested their creativity and teamwork.
The EIA event throws students into the deep end by forming them into random teams and setting them challenges that test their business acumen. The teams are assigned dedicated mentors from a New Zealand company or organisation.
Each year members of the Foundation's Leadership Network volunteer their time to mentor a team, making connections between the Foundation and the next generation of entrepreneurs. This year the Foundation mentors were:
Research consultant and policy analyst, Dr. Anita Perkins
Co-founder of creative wind sculpture company Beauty and the Wind, Bonnie Selak
Commercial lawyer, Gemma Bell
Founder of fragrance company From Nina, Nina Kim
The Foundation's team was comprised of mentees:
Emily Rowe (Cashmere High School)
Fletcher Lochead (Palmerston North Boys High School)
Joey Hung (Manurewa High School)
Noah Curtis (Mount Albert Grammar School)
Ollie Tangey (Bayfield High School)
Violet Dominikovich (Craighead Diocesan School).
Weekend of Challenges and Growth
The weekend began with the "Embracing Tomorrow Challenge," set by Young Enterprise CEO Alex Bullot.
Teams tackled reimagining New Zealand's entrepreneurial education. Mentored by YES Experts and industry leaders, students crafted business plans and pitches to impress the judges.
The Foundation team came up with a concept that connected YES students with business mentors in the community. The pitch was well received by the judges, but the team failed to place for this first challenge.
The challenges were a test of creativity and teamwork
The energy shifted on Friday evening with a new challenge from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
Over 48 hours, the teams were tasked with developing a market entry strategy for a Kiwi skincare brand.
The Foundation team created a strategy harnessing the power of social media influencers to market seaweed moisturiser to the Chinese market.
Their strategy involved leveraging New Zealand's clean green image to sell their product to health-conscious consumers looking for high-end, natural products.
Their strategy and marketing plan resonated well with the judges and to their delight the team came away with first place for the challenge.
Participants gathered in Wellington from around the motu
Mentor Nina Kim highlighted the students' enthusiasm and dedication for their well-deserved win.
"Before presenting their final pitch, I still remember our students being excited to present to the judges as they were confident and proud of the work they had accomplished together.
"The team's motivation and grit were rewarded with our team's first place win, which was so well deserved as the students really gave their all.”
Mentee Violet Dominikovich says she was inspired by the event and overjoyed by winning one of the challenges.
“Winning challenge two was undeniably a highlight, not just for the prize, but because it affirmed our hard work and dedication.
"Going forward, this experience has truly changed my outlook on life, inspiring me to try new opportunities without hesitation.”
The Foundation team accepting their first prize for the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise challenge
Gemma Bell says she found personal inspiration in the students' eagerness to tackle a problem with energy and find creative solutions. It bodes well for the future of entrepreneurialism in New Zealand, she says.
"I’ve come away inspired and fulfilled, knowing that the ecosystem is full of bright, emerging minds who seek experiences and knowledge outside of the classroom.
"I feel a renewed passion for the commercial mindset and for my own ability to identify opportunities for commercialization and innovation."
Each participant received a $1000 Massey University Scholarship, and the winners of each business challenge were awarded an additional $3000 scholarship. Beyond the scholarships, all participants walked away with a newfound confidence and a network of industry connections.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network equips the next generation of Kiwi leaders to thrive in Asia. We provide members with the connections, knowledge and confidence to lead New Zealand’s future relationship with the region.
