Notable Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) achievements have been recorded by two business teams from Diocesan School for Girls this year, with one now headed to national finals.
Dressed by Meg, a clothing range to promote body confidence created by Year 13 student Meg Wallace, won the regional Excellence in Product Development award.
Period, the brainchild of Year 13 students Phebe Mason, Allegra Wilson, Kate Wellington and Sarah Young, has been selected to represent the Auckland central region in the forthcoming national finals after winning the regional competition earlier this month. The company aims to prevent period stigma by creating products which start discussion surrounding menstruation, protecting the environment by minimising plastic waste and providing to those in need by donating one package of period products for every item sold.
Launched in February 2020, Period. also this year won the YES regional Excellence in Social Enterprise award. Last year, it received the Bronze award and Most Sustainable Business award for the Auckland central region, while Phebe was also recognised with the Auckland Central Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Comments Diocesan School for Girls Teacher in Charge of Business David Holmes: “This has been a mammoth effort for these two groups over the course of the past two years, as it has been for the entire Young Enterprise cohort. I’m super proud of everyone’s efforts and wish Period. all the best in the national finals.”
A Lion Foundation initiative, YES is an experiential programme in which students set up and run a real business. A total of 20 Dio companies participated this year, with each YES business creating their own product or service and bringing it to market. Students learn about business planning and operations, develop a range of personal and business skills, and consult with and create networks in their community. Each company or group needs to take their idea from validation, through to pitch, promotion, sales and finally the annual review.
The Market Day exhibition, held as the precursor to a Women in Business event at the school in April, underscored the importance of sustainability and health and wellbeing. David says the students kept the themes front of mind when creating and designing their products.
“The Market Day provided an excellent opportunity for the students to simulate bringing their products to market in a familiar and supportive environment. Students are able to test their products with family and friends, and gather valuable feedback that they can incorporate into further product development and marketing.”
The YES national awards bring together the top YES companies from across New Zealand, with a total of $23,000 prize money up for grabs.
This year’s event, to be held on the evening of Wednesday 15 December, will be staged online due to uncertainty around COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
