Young Enterprise Scheme - Dragon’s Den

Thursday 25 May marked the day that all Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) students have been waiting for: the annual ‘Dragons Den’ competition.

Over the past few months, 19 Macleans College Young Enterprise teams (the most teams of any school in New Zealand) have been working hard to create innovative products or services, with the opportunity to participate in a range of activities to teach students about real life business, rather than simply in-class learning. With products ranging from home decor to online food subscription boxes, YES students have spent months researching and inventing ways to create a successful business.

Inspired by the renowned television series, students were faced with six ‘Dragons’ to which they were required to create a 5 minute, enticing pitch of their product, in an attempt to gain the attention of the Dragons, with hope of potential investment in their company and a place in the regional finals. The students were then faced with a range of tough questions, constructive criticism and new ideas on how to make their individual business a success.

The six judges consisted of: Theresa Rorason, ATEED; Nicholas Bing, YES Alumni; Richette Rodger, Otahuhu Business Advisor; Guy Slocum, AOL and Ajay Kapoor of Barfoot and Thompson. With a host of business knowledge up their sleeves, the Dragons set high standards, expecting students to answer any question that may arise regarding the process of starting up a business, as well as providing insight into what may need correcting or tweaking.

The nerve-wrecking day began with each business group squeezing in as many rehearsals of their pitch as possible. The day was jam-packed with students presenting their finest behaviour and knowledge, in typical Macleans College style. As expected, the YES students wowed the judges with their creativity and ability to answer any question thrown at them, creating a day filled with success.

Overall, the Kiwibank Dragon’s Den competition was a success yet again; with a huge thank you to the Dragons for their time as well as the YES students who participated. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the wide range of staff at Macleans College who support the YES students: the Commerce Department as well as specialist mentors providing product advice, particularly in the Technology Department. We couldn’t do it without you.

The following Macleans College teams have made it to the Auckland final on the 27th June hosted at AUT Central City Campus: Grain, Santarelli, TickTock Clocks.