Entrepreneurs of tomorrow rewarded

TOP TEAM: The Common Scents team - Taylor Davis, Bronte Spierings, Adrienne Pierce, Ella Petersen, Sophie Hay, Olivia McLeod and Holly Black. PHOTO/ DUNCAN BROWN

Outstanding young entrepreneurs were recognised last night for their innovation and dedication throughout this year's young enterprises scheme.

Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce Regional Coordinator for the Lion Foundation's Young Enterprise Scheme, Kris McAinsh, announced the six regional winners at Hawke's Bay Business Hub in Ahuriri.

About 70 students, teachers, parents, sponsors and dignitaries attended the evening with representatives from Karamu, Havelock North, Napier Girls', Central Hawke's Bay, Iona and Woodford House.

The night's most prestigious prize went to Common Scents from Iona College for their charitable candle business.

The team, consisting of Holly Black, Bronte Spierings, Taylor Davis, Olivia McLeod and Ella Petersen had a simple but brilliant model.

Managing director Ella Peterson said the idea was for businesses to buy their candles to give to customers and clients as a thank you gift for purchasing, selling and listing, or a Christmas gift.

After weeks of planning, the girls decided to diversify their target market and went after the real estate sector.

She said agents have so many opportunities to give gifts.

"We thought personalised candles would make a great gift."

The young women were determined to contribute profits toward a worth cause.

"A dollar from every candle sold went to the Habitat for Humanity charity," she said.

"We are hoping to support the foundation who are in desperate need after the Nepal earthquake and the Vanuatu cyclone to rebuild homes and support families in need."

The team was awarded with scholarships from national sponsors Massey, share a prize of $500 sponsored by regional sponsors EIT as well as tickets and accommodation paid for two representatives and a teacher to attend the national competition.

All 41 teams were assessed on a combination of results from an oral presentation, a mark from the Regional Coordinator, as well as an assessment of their Annual Report.

"For the first time in Hawke's Bay, a runner up award was also presented to Aura of Karamu High School in special recognition of just how close the final marks were between the two teams," Ms McAinsh said.

"All young entrepreneurial Year 12 and 13 students put in a year of hard work - this year seeing an increase in participating schools and teams with a total of 172 students making up the 41 teams." Ms McAinsh said it had been "fantastic working alongside such driven and enthusiastic students who have developed innovative and diverse products and services".