The Young Enterprise Trust
BP believes that fostering the next generation of Kiwi business leaders is good for business and great for NZ, that's why we've supported the Young Enterprise Trust since 1993
It’s one thing to have a good idea, but without structure and support, good ideas don’t always get delivered. It’s this structure and support that Young Enterprise provides for the next generation of business leaders in NZ and we are proud to have been a part of that for more than two decades. In 2018, we celebrated our 25-year partnership with Young Enterprise.
We believe community investment is about so much more than just funding. Because of this, many BP employees and partners volunteer as judges across multiple Young Enterprise Trust programs including the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme, Speed Coaching events, Enterprise in Action weekends and, of course, the BP Business Challenge.
We’re endlessly amazed by the entrepreneurial spirit of young Kiwis, and we have sold some of their products through our retail outlets over the years. Many BP employees and partners participated in Young Enterprise programs when they were students.
Partnership history
The partnership between BP and the Young Enterprise Trust began in 1993, with the introduction of the Enterprise Studies programme. This programme connected 14-year-old students with successful local business people to encourage learning about business and enterprise.
In 2013, BP teamed up with the Young Enterprise Trust to develop the BP Business Challenge. Over just three days, year 10 and 11 students form virtual companies, conduct research, decide upon a hypothetical marketable product, prepare a business strategy and then pitch the product to a panel of local judges. These local judges include business owners, BP employees, local celebrities and even Members of Parliament!
Every year, thousands of students from schools nationwide take part in this exciting national programme that teaches real, practical skills for their future.
The BP Business Challenge is a great extension of our two-decade relationship and proof of our commitment to inspiring and engaging the next generation of business leaders in NZ.
