PLANTATION BUSINESS CHALLENGE
The Plantation Business Challenge is a joint project between the following stakeholders: 
• Pacific Business Trust - PBT
• Manukau Institute Of Technology - MIT
• Auckland University of Technology - AUT
The stakeholders commissioned a committee to plan and implement the project. This is the committee’s report to the stakeholders for the Plantation Business Challenge 2006.
The Plantation Business Challenge is a business competition for year 13 students.
Students were formed into groups of 4-6 and were given the challenge to identify a business concept then prepare a business plan outlining the viability of the venture. The plan is then presented to a panel of judges with the winners gaining prizes in the form of scholarships to study either at the MIT or AUT in a business related field. 
The aims and goals of the project are to develop future Pacific business leaders through:
• The provision of opportunities for students to enter tertiary level study in business through scholarships
• Link students to a network of mentors, lecturers and business owners that will provide long term support in the many phases of life
• To expose students and their parents to the various organisations dealing with business development
• Build confidence and self esteem through the activities and tasks of the competition
• Encourage students to develop leadership skills, real life skills and team building skills
EXPERIENCE BUSINESS
The “Experience Business” programme is a joint project between the Pacific Business Trust and individual schools. The first programme was d
elivered in May 2008 in partnership with the Commerce Department of Tamaki College. These programs are one-off events and part of the wider Growing Young Pacific Entrepreneurs (GYPE) initiative.
The programme is an opportunity for students to get a realistic glimpse into the world of an entrepreneur and business in general.
The idea is to put students in a position where they are able to share the experiences of existing business people and are given the opportunity to formulate a business concept within a competitive environment. It is about replicating as much as possible the challenges business people face in getting their ideas into reality.
The aims and goals of the project are to develop future Pacific business leaders through:
• To provide real life business experiences for participating students
• To create awareness amongst students the opportunities within business and the option of self employment as a career path.
• To contribute to the wider initiative of Growing Young Pacific Entrepreneurs
