Press Release
Auckland Chamber of Commerce Supports Youth Business in New Partnership
The Auckland Chamber of Commerce and Young Enterprise are excited to announce their new delivery partnership for The
Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) in the region. The YES business programme enables high school students to
set up and run their own ventures.
“As long serving supporters of Young Enterprise we’re delighted to be working with the limitless thinkers that are YES
students. We’ve seen their achievements over the years and are incredibly thrilled to recognise and support these young
entrepreneurs as the business leaders of the future” said Michael Barnett, Chief Executive of the Auckland Chamber of
Commerce.
For the past six years Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development agency (ATEED) has connected with around 5000
students, mentoring them from the outset and sharing in their journey of coming up with an innovative idea and
developing it further into a successful business.
“We have enjoyed our close working relationship with Young Enterprise, schools, students and sponsors delivering YES in
Auckland. We now look forward to taking a more strategic role in helping to deliver the programme,” ATEED chief
executive Nick Hill says.
“Programmes like YES are crucial to encourage and support youth entrepreneurship. Young people are our future workforce
and play a pivotal role in transforming and growing Auckland’s economy”.
Young Enterprise CEO Terry Shubkin, commented on the charity's new partnership: “the number of Auckland students
participating in YES has been growing year on year. As New Zealand’s largest business organisation we know the Chamber
will be able to offer endless value and support to the schools we work with. We’re really looking forward to seeing what
further impact we can make on youth entrepreneurship in the region”.
ENDS
EDITORS NOTE
The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme is a business experience programme where high school students run a real
business. Past YES alumni include Lisa King (Eat My Lunch), Seeby Woodhouse (Founder of Orcon) and Shay Wright (Te Whare
Hukahuka). Young Enterprise is focused on creating a more prosperous New Zealand through enterprise, and works with
schools across the country to help students learn about business and entrepreneurship.
Auckland Chamber of Commerce is New Zealand’s largest business organisation and part of the New Zealand Chamber of
Commerce. Successful business ensures strong and successful communities, and the Chamber contributes to this through
support and advocacy to deliver the best platform for business to operate from. Auckland Chamber has worked with
business within the region for more than 160 years – for both start up and established businesses, trading locally and
on the world stage.