Partnership Brings Practical Enterprise Skills to Lincoln University Students
Lincoln University recently hosted a free two-day Enterprise Workshop in collaboration with The King’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand, giving current students and eligible alumni aged 17 to 30 hands-on training to develop business ideas. Held on 4 and 5 June 2026 in the Waimarie building on campus, the event connected participants with specialist mentoring, networking opportunities, and a clear pathway to He Kākano seed funding grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.
The workshop formed part of Lincoln’s growing focus on practical entrepreneurship education. Students from the Bachelor of Commerce Entrepreneurship and Innovation major joined alumni at various stages of their venture journeys, from rough concepts to early testing phases. Organisers emphasised creating a supportive environment where young people could clarify ideas and identify realistic next steps.
Lincoln University Strengthens Enterprise Ecosystem
Lincoln University, located near Christchurch in Canterbury, has long prioritised applied learning in agriculture, environment, and business. Its Entrepreneurship and Innovation major equips students with skills in design thinking, business literacy, marketing, and product development. The recent workshop extended this classroom experience into real-world support structures.
Programme Director Dr Faith Jeremiah highlighted how the event bridged academic study with external networks. Participants gained confidence to move beyond abstract ideas toward concrete actions. Lincoln’s Yunus Social Business Centre, directed by Dr Ani Kartikasari, also contributed, linking the workshop to social enterprise principles inspired by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.
The King’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand Expands Youth Support
The King’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand runs programmes tailored to local rangatahi aged 18 to 30. Its Enterprise Programme combines short training workshops, mentoring, networking, and access to funding. The organisation works to build an entrepreneurial mindset that supports young people, their whānau, and communities across Aotearoa.
Workshops like the one at Lincoln form the entry point. They deliver immersive sessions on self-awareness, technical skills, and venture development. Successful participants can access ongoing one-on-one mentoring and join a growing alumni network that shares opportunities through masterclasses.
Workshop Format and Daily Structure
The two-day programme ran from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm each day, with morning tea and lunch provided. Students could attend one or both days without losing access to follow-up support. Sessions focused on problem identification, idea refinement, support needs assessment, and planning realistic next steps.
Facilitators from The King’s Trust guided interactive activities. Guest speakers included Graham Scown, Chief Executive of Ministry of Awesome, and student entrepreneur Yasmin Wessels, founder of The Flower Loop, who recently secured a $20,000 He Kākano grant. Paul Spence from GeniusReFi joined discussions during lunch breaks.
Participant Journeys and Immediate Outcomes
Attendees arrived with ideas at different maturity levels. Some brought early-stage concepts while others had already begun testing ventures. The workshop provided a safe space to ask questions, receive feedback, and build confidence in entrepreneurship as a viable pathway.
By the end of the event, many participants reported clearer direction. They left with actionable plans and connections to mentors and peers. The flexible attendance model accommodated academic schedules while maintaining access to the full suite of post-workshop opportunities.
Photo by Harman Tatla on Unsplash
He Kākano Seed Funding Delivers Strong Results
He Kākano represents a partnership between The King’s Trust and the Ministry of Youth Development. Since its 2022 launch, the fund has supported 170 youth-led businesses. Pilot data showed 93 percent of funded ventures still operating after two years, 29 percent creating additional jobs, 73 percent achieving significant revenue growth, and 21 percent exporting.
Workshop attendees received guidance on preparing applications for these grants. The funding helps young entrepreneurs test ideas, launch ventures, or scale operations, directly addressing barriers that often prevent rangatahi from pursuing self-employment.
Broader Context of Entrepreneurship Education in New Zealand Universities
New Zealand higher education institutions increasingly integrate enterprise skills into curricula to prepare graduates for dynamic labour markets. Lincoln’s approach aligns with national priorities around innovation and economic resilience. Partnerships with organisations like The King’s Trust extend university resources beyond traditional degree programmes.
Such collaborations help address gaps between academic knowledge and practical business launch. They also support diverse student populations, including those from rural or regional backgrounds who may face additional hurdles in accessing networks and capital.
Yunus Social Business Centre Advances Sustainable Models
The Yunus Social Business Centre at Lincoln University promotes social enterprise for sustainable development. As New Zealand’s first dedicated centre of its kind, it fosters applied research, student engagement, and cross-sector partnerships throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Its involvement in the workshop reinforced connections between social impact goals and commercial viability. Students explored how ventures could generate both financial returns and community benefits, reflecting growing interest in purpose-driven business among younger generations.
Future Opportunities and Programme Expansion
The King’s Trust continues to schedule workshops across regions, with upcoming events in Hawke’s Bay, Queenstown, and Gisborne, plus online options. Lincoln participants can maintain connections through mentoring and alumni networks long after the initial two days.
University staff encourage interested students to explore the Entrepreneurship and Innovation major or contact The King’s Trust directly for future sessions. These initiatives complement existing campus resources such as the Career Centre and student enterprise activities.
Implications for Student Success and Sector Trends
Events like the Lincoln workshop demonstrate how targeted partnerships can accelerate student readiness for self-employment or innovation roles. They provide low-risk environments to test ideas while building essential skills in resilience, problem-solving, and networking.
For New Zealand’s higher education sector, such programmes signal a shift toward experiential learning that complements traditional lectures and assessments. They also contribute to national goals of fostering youth entrepreneurship amid evolving economic conditions.
Photo by Harman Tatla on Unsplash
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum in Enterprise Education
Lincoln University plans to build on the workshop’s success by strengthening ties with The King’s Trust and similar organisations. Continued integration of enterprise pathways into degree programmes positions graduates to contribute meaningfully to Aotearoa’s economy and communities.
Young people interested in exploring entrepreneurship can register for future workshops through The King’s Trust website or reach out to Lincoln’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation programme team. These opportunities remain open to eligible students and alumni seeking practical support for their ideas.