Marlborough business mentors buzzing

Business savvy students have been making the most of a chance to meet with local mentors.

As part of the Young Enterprise Scheme’s (YES) first event, KickStart, 70 Business Studies students from Marlborough Boys’ and Girls’ College met with 20 local mentors.

And organisers are already impressed with the range of entrepreneurial ideas being brought to the table.

YES Top of the South Regional Coordinator Trina Zimmerman and Event Coordinator Kelsie Skelton say support is key to the success of the initiative.

“This is our fourth year running the Young Enterprise Scheme here in Marlborough.

“We really rely on the buy-in we get from all local business communities who take time out of their day to assist with our mentoring schemes, open opportunities and help when and where they can”, says Trina.

Ideas include locally sourced produce cookbooks, recycled pool toy bags, shoe charms built for laces and the reclamation of wine barrels for home décor.

Mentors were impressed by the variety and depth of the ideas that students brought to the table.

“It’s really interesting to see the passion of young entrepreneurs challenging themselves by developing businesses”, said GeoInsight’s Rob Desaans.

“We’re going through similar processes that the students are to develop their businesses, so connecting with them and sharing lessons has been really insightful.”

McKendry Advisors’ Kim Hamilton says both the students and mentors benefit from the process.

“Students are always going to be our future, so it’s a real two-way street when we connect with the opportunity to learn from one another.

“The engagement and passion I saw from groups I spoke with was just amazing, there’s real entrepreneurial spirit shining through already.”

VanillaHayes’s Leanne Hayes said students starting to learn to be innovative through the Young Enterprise Scheme from school age is a wonderful opportunity.

“It’s really interesting to press a bit further and examine what they see as key problems and solutions and why they think that – I wish I had the chance to do it at school.”

YES alumni include the founders of Xero, Charlies, Eat My Lunch, Kea and Give a Little.

For Trina and Kelsie, the first task is to get students to brainstorm and validate their business pathways with experienced businesspeople who then help strengthen plans.

“It’s amazing to see the development of the kids as they can ask questions in a safe, constructive space.

“People give advice from and external point of view and build confidence with their confidence through their public speaking and marketing conversations”, expands Kirsty.

Many of the mentors came out of the day “buzzing” from the ideas pitched and the enthusiasm shown by students.

There are four more challenges ahead spread throughout the year – including more chances to speak to Blenheim’s business community.