Healthy eating feeds student business success

The girls of 'Little Steps' thrilled about their win

The business skills of Auckland’s students took centre stage at the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) regional finals for Auckland Central last week.

Little Steps, a student company from St Mary’s College, took out the top prize with their illustrated children’s book ‘Bert’s Big Day’, which targets obesity by encouraging a healthier diet.

The seven girls not only beat 40 other student groups, but also won the Auckland City high growth potential award and the Edge excellence in communication award.

“The Little Steps team is an excellent endorsement for this school-based programme,” says YES regional coordinator, Lisa Ford.

“These students have experienced how to operate a real business and have adopted a product that addresses a problem in our society.”

The evening’s awards ceremony, held at the Auckland Town Hall, was presented to the year 12 and 13 students in front of an audience of more than 120 dignitaries, sponsors, mentors, parents and fellow students.

The successful production of reusable laptop skins saw Zenzic from St Cuthbert’s College win second place and also claim the Lochiel Printing Ltd best annual report award.
Little Steps will now represent the Auckland central region at the national awards in Wellington on November 3, 2010.

YES is a hands-on scheme requiring students to establish and run a business within the school curriculum. It fosters tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, giving them the opportunity to form a company, create a business plan, and produce goods or services to sell. 

Students learn all aspects of running a business including budgeting, decision making, managing risk, market research, marketing, selling, and annual financial reporting.