(Picture caption: Iris Jewellery produces Pacific-inspired handcrafted, upcycled bracelets as part of the Young Enterprise Scheme.)
As the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) celebrates its 40th anniversary, the number of Pacific students taking part in the initiative is increasing every year. Over the next few months, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) will profile Pacific YES teams – we hope you get behind and support these budding entrepreneurs too...
Iris Jewellery, from Alfriston College, Auckland
Promoting sustainability and the use of sustainable products throughout the Pacific is at the heart of everything Iris Jewellery does and produces.
The Alfriston College YES team, of Pacific descent, recognise the importance of sustainability, to preserve our planet and natural resources.
Building a sustainable future and cultivating sustainable ways of living is the only way forward in the eyes of Iris Jewellery.
The business’ mission is to create a well-known brand which inspires other companies to use up cycle/eco-friendly materials for their products.
Iris Jewellery produces Pacific-inspired handcrafted, upcycled bracelets as part of YES, which they say is a fantastic opportunity to gain real life experience in a business environment.
The team hope to increase its sales this month, while promoting the use of sustainable products in Pacific communities.
Follow Iris Jewellery on Instagram.
The Young Enterprise initiative has supported a total of 5000 students (up until 2022), mentoring and developing their entrepreneur skills and ambitions.
This year, 482 Pacific students from around Aotearoa New Zealand are taking part in the hugely beneficial initiative, an increase from the 457 students last year.
To take part in YES, student groups or businesses must complete four challenges, Validation, The Pitch, Sales and Promotion and the fourth challenge of presenting an Annual Review.
There is over $20,000 in the national prize pool as well as regional awards, cash prizes and tertiary scholarships, while students also have opportunities to attend national business competitions, events and go on partner programmes.
Visit the YES Market website for information on teams’ products and services.