Whizz kids learn business skills

Ella Jensen, and Michael Melhuish took part in the BP Business Challenge. Photo / John Borren

Eighty college students have sharpened their entrepreneur skills at a three-day business challenge.

Students from Tauranga Boys' and Tauranga Girls' Colleges combined in teams of eight for the BP Business Challenge.

They had to form a company with a chief executive and managers and research a product to develop, write a business plan, then present their plan to five judges.

One of the companies consisted of Ella Jensen, Sophie Graham, Jemma Hart, Michael Melhuish, Ross Hitchens, Rikshent Prasad, Jessica Harrison and Boss Singhsaneh.

Chief executive Ella, 17, said her group created Band Turf, a mobile application to promote local bands and musicians.

Bands could promote themselves by uploading videos and songs, and the public could use it to check out their local talent.

The app was createdfor Android and Apple devices.

"Now we have to try to sell our product to five judges."

Ella said each of their different managers would take charge of a certain section of their business plan to present.

Young Enterprise Trust mission control team member Sophie Parlane said the BP Business Challenge was an introduction to business for the students taking part.

"They come up with a business idea and split into different roles within their business to help them work through what it takes to start up a business."

Miss Parlane said their work culminated when the students had to pitch to five judges - including Anne Pankhurst from the Chamber of Commerce, and Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller.

Other business ideas pitched by the students included an app that helped students seek information about different universities, and an easily transportable beach chair.