These student-led businesses have progressed through product development, market validation, financial viability analysis and strategic partnerships with external mentors, all while managing the real-world demands of running a company.
Last week, our students travelled to the Auckland Business Chamber to present their business concepts to a panel of industry judges as part of the national YES programme. Elizabeth Nicholson, the Auckland Regional Coordinator for YES, highlighted the scale of this year’s competition with more than 1,950 students from the Auckland region alone participating in the Young Enterprise Scheme this year, representing over 460 student-run businesses. These students come from schools as far south as Pukekohe and as far north as the Mahurangi region.
We are thrilled to share that so far several of our student groups are ranking in the top performing businesses nationally! Below are three of our top performers at the recent Sales Pitch event. Their ideas are not only innovative but also speak to current consumer needs in sustainability, wellness, and functionality:
SkinVive – Led by CEO Mia Montgomerie, this business has developed a groundbreaking post-workout facial spray designed to reduce breakouts caused by sweat bacteria. Collaborating with experts from the University of Auckland’s chemistry and food science departments, SkinVive has created a world-first product using only natural, efficacious ingredients. Mia shares, “This has been a fantastic experience to understand the real-world considerations of running a business.” Retailers and fitness centres are already expressing interest in stocking SkinVive, and their marketing following continues to grow.
Website: skinvive.company.site
Glow Rogue – This biodegradable body glitter stick wowed judges, who left the chamber with a sparkle—literally! The product delivers a mess-free, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional glitter, solving a genuine consumer problem with style. One judge praised it as “a simple and effective idea that solves a real consumer problem with an innovative and sustainable solution—we loved it.” CEO Felicity Tongue reflects, “We were surprised and thrilled by the level of interest from our local community and beyond. We’re now really excited to shift our focus to sales and promotion.”
Website: glowrogue25.company.site
Naked Goodness – Co-CEOs Danica Nali and Georgia Galloway first introduced their range of functional snack bars at the Diocesan Women in Business evening, where they received glowing feedback from speakers and attendees alike. With guidance from mentors including Dio alumna Maree Glading, they’ve refined a range of all-natural bars that support gut health, mental clarity, and overall wellbeing. One YES judge declared them “the tastiest healthy thing I’ve ever had.”
Instagram: @eatnakedgoodness
In the coming months, you’ll see these student businesses and others out in the community, taking part in markets and pop-up events. This weekend, be sure to visit Virgin Hour at the Grey Lynn Markets from 11am–2pm on Sunday, where you can pick up their delicious mocktail mixers created by a dynamic team led by CEO Lucia Walden-Green.
We’re incredibly proud of all our YES teams—their creativity, commitment, and courage to bring real products to market is inspiring. Watch this space as they continue to grow, innovate, and lead the way in student entrepreneurship.
