Girls Mean Business hosts end-of-year event

On 13 November 2024, Girls Mean Business hosted their end-of-year event at the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at the University of Auckland. We had the privilege of hosting 49 Year 7 girls from 12 intermediate schools across Auckland, representing a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. The aim was to inspire and empower these young women, providing them with the tools and skills needed to navigate and thrive in the entrepreneurial world.

The day introduced the girls to key concepts such as an entrepreneurial mindset, financial literacy and marketing strategies. They explored the difference between fixed and growth mindsets, learning how adaptability and resilience influence their approach to challenges and opportunities. The girls also gained foundational financial knowledge, such as learning about the difference between revenue and profit, and explored how to effectively identify and engage target markets.

A key highlight of the event was having the girls create their business idea, where students worked with peers from other schools to tackle real-world issues such as homelessness and the impact of social media. Together, they brainstormed creative solutions, transforming their ideas into products or services. Each group then crafted a one-sentence pitch, summarising their solution’s purpose, pricing and unique features, and presented their pitch to the class with confidence and enthusiasm.

Throughout the day, university-aged mentors guided and motivated students, who shared their entrepreneurial experiences and offered advice. The collaborative environment encouraged students to connect with like-minded peers, share thoughts, and embrace the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Thanks to the passion and dedication of the students and teachers, as well as the generosity of the CIE for providing such an inspiring venue, this event was a success. We are incredibly proud of the creativity and determination displayed by these young women and look forward to continuing to support their entrepreneurial journeys in 2025.