Young Enterprise Trust

Today, we are proud to announce the 2026 New Zealand Business Hall of Fame Laureates.

Young Enterprise Trust is delighted to honour an extraordinary group of individuals who have not only built successful businesses, but have reshaped what’s possible in Aotearoa.

We are honoured to celebrate the remarkable achievements of:
• Carmel Fisher
• Dame Rosanne Meo
• David Irving
• Sir Robert McLeod
• Sir Michael Daniell
• Tom Sturgess
• Naomi Ballantyne

Each of our 2026 Laureates represents a powerful story of vision, resilience, and impact shaping New Zealand’s economic and social fabric for generations to come.

They will be officially inducted at our annual black-tie gala dinner on 6 August 2026 at Cordis, Auckland. In a uniquely powerful moment, each Laureate will be introduced by a Young Enterprise student, symbolising the passing of the torch from those who have built our legacy to those who will shape our future.

🌟 Join us for an unforgettable evening of recognition, storytelling, and connection.
🎟️ Tickets and tables are now available: https://www.businesshalloffame.co.nz/

This is more than an event, it’s a rare opportunity to be in the room with the people who have shaped New Zealand’s business story, and those who will write its next chapter.

With thanks to our partners: Auckland Business Chamber, Forsyth Barr, Barfoot & Thompson, Premier Supply Chains, No1 Family Estate, Fistonich Family Vineyard, and Cordis Hotel.

Read more about each of our 2026 Laureates here: https://youngenterprise.org.nz/news-events/the-people-who-built-new-zealand-and-why-their-stories-matter-now-more-than-ever

We love this story from YES Class of 2020 alumnus, Hamish Stayt, whose business, Ecobase, is still thriving on retail shelves around the country six years post Young Enterprise 🙌

"My Young Enterprise Scheme journey in 2020 turned out to be a career-defining experience, and one of the best decisions I made at school.

A group of boys from Timaru starting a lip balm brand wasn’t how we imagined our final year of high school. But after taking the leap of faith and navigating the challenges of building a business from scratch, we emerged with Ecobalm — a sustainable lip balm that has since grown from local markets to supermarkets, airports, and gift stores across Aotearoa.

The biggest impact YES had on me was the merging of academic studies and real world experiences. While studying at university, I was negotiating with retailers, managing inventory, and overseeing company finances — bringing everything I was learning in my commerce degree to life.

That foundation ultimately led me into corporate finance. Today, I work in Deloitte’s Transactions team in Auckland, advising businesses through deals and acquisitions. Building a business myself means I approach our work with a practical understanding of what owners face, both in scaling their companies and navigating a sale, giving me a strong head start as I build my career in the industry.

What started as a school project has shaped the path of my career, and it’s why I couldn’t recommend YES more to students willing to take that first step and build something of their own."

Keep an eye out as we share 45 YES Effect stories in celebration of our 45th year. Has YES impacted your journey? We'd love to hear about it: https://youngenterprise.fillout.com/t/1GpyvjGycAus

As we celebrate 45 years of Young Enterprise we’re proud to share The YES Effect, a new series capturing the ripple effect of YES across Aotearoa.

From students who stepped into business for the first time (recently or not so recently 😅), to the educators, sponsors and supporters who helped shape their journey, we’re sharing the incredible stories that make YES what it is.

Our very first YES Effect story takes us back to 1990.

Tracey Holmes first experienced YES as a student at Taieri High School, now Taieri College, where her team went on to win the National Competition, earning an unforgettable prize trip to Singapore. Pictured here is Tracey and her winning team flying with Singapore Airlines, cooking alongside chefs at the Pan Pacific Hotel, visiting the Apple factory, and exploring the city, an experience she says left a lasting mark.

Decades later, that impact has come full circle. Tracey recently gave back to YES through her workplace Christmas charity donation, after years of staying connected as a judge, report marker and supporter.

This is the YES Effect.
Keep an eye out as we share 44 more stories throughout our 45th year.

Has YES impacted or influenced your journey? We’d love to hear about it: https://youngenterprise.fillout.com/t/1GpyvjGycAus

The countdown is on for YES Nationals 2025! Make sure to grab your ticket (or donate a ticket/table!) here: https://lnkd.in/eHkK5r3X

We would love your help to celebrate Aotearoa's top young entrepreneurs at our 2025 YES Nationals! All friends, family, alumni, sponsors and supporters of YES are invited for an evening that will leave you impressed, inspired, and well-fed 🤩 🎉

Check out the YES teams who will be pitching in Wellington in competition to be crowned The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme Company of the Year here: https://youngenterprise.org.nz/news-events/young-entrepreneurs-in-the-running-for-yes-company-of-the-year

It's the last week of our YES Donation Appeal!

As a charity, donations from our supporters are crucial, allowing us to continue to deliver entrepreneurial education programmes across Aotearoa. You can donate here: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/young-enterprise-2025-donation-appeal

Over the month of March, we are aiming to raise $50,000 in our annual Donation Appeal. We need your help!

For every $1 you donate to Young Enterprise, we create $5.80 worth of social value —improving mental well-being, boosting academic achievement, and building life skills.

As a charity, we can't do what we do without the support of our sponsors, donors and community. By supporting our 2025 Donation Appeal, you are helping us to deliver entrepreneurial education programmes, opportunities and resources to over 10,000 young people across Aotearoa.

Every dollar counts! Head to our Givealittle to support YES: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/young-enterprise-2025-donation-appeal