Taking Opportunities leads to Mexico Trip for Young Entrepreneur

In July last year Central Hawke’s Bay College business student, Nkosana Ncomanzi had the opportunity through his participation in the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) to attend the Entrepreneurs in Action(EIA) weekend (image: Nkosana pictured with his team mates). Nkosana really enjoyed the experience, “making new connections with other young entrepreneurs from around the country was a highlight, and while I was there, I heard about the Future Leaders Academy.” 

Gaining confidence from his EIA experience Nkosana applied for the Future Leaders Academy trip to Vanuatu – and was accepted! After fundraising efforts and some generous donations, Nkosana headed off to Vanuatu in December 2023. “Another great opportunity to make connections with like-minded people and learn heaps from the advanced leadership courses.” 

This year when the opportunity came up to attend a ten-day business trip to Mexico through YES - of course Nkosana applied! 

Heading off on April 12 on this all-expenses-paid adventure, Nkosana joins a group of 7 other students selected from 160 students across the motu. Organised by YES, this opportunity aims to nurture entrepreneurial talents among New Zealand's youth. 

In collaboration with the Latin America Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence (LatAm CAPE), Nkosana and the team will engage in a rigorous business challenge, collaborating with local students to devise innovative solutions. Additionally, they'll explore Mexican enterprises and forge connections with New Zealand organisations operating in Mexico. 

The YES LatAm program, overseen in our region by the Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce, attracted a significant number of applicants, highlighting the country’s enthusiasm for entrepreneurship. With 467 students enrolled in the Hawke's Bay region alone and over 5000 students nationwide, the scheme’s impact is undeniable. 

Hawke’s Bay Young Enterprise Facilitator Fran Aldridge says, “Nkosana has been involved in YES for a couple of years now, and is a well-known member of the YES whānau. He has a great entrepreneurial mind, and has the drive and desire to do great things. He really deserves to represent our region on this trip, and I can’t wait to hear about the amazing experience he is going to have.” 

This year, Nkosana and fellow CHB College student and business partner Jomel Dave, have started Denim Revive Creations as their YES business, focusing on upcycling and repurposing waste denim into tote bags and bucket hats. Follow their progress on Instagram @denimrevivecreations. 

With a passion for sustainable and environmentally friendly projects Nkosana intends to develop his entrepreneurial aspirations by beginning a Bachelor of Commerce next year. His encouragement to other budding entrepreneurs; “definitely take business studies, because it opens up all sorts of opportunities!” 

Central Hawke’s Bay College Business Teacher Fleur Ormond is enthusiastic about the opportunity for Nkosana, “Nkosana has made the most of taking up opportunities given to him by YES and Future Leaders Academy. It is so exciting that he is off on the LatAm Biz experience to Mexico. He is a great role model for other students at Central Hawke's Bay College. Young Enterprise is really opening doors for Nkosana and he is making the most of this." 

"We are delighted for Nkosana and thank his teacher and YES for their outstanding support that has encouraged him to step outside his comfort zone and achieve big things." Central Hawkes Bay College Principal, Lance Christiansen.