The students created A Brilliant Signature and took part in The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme this year. Their challenge was to create and run a small business during 2015.

A Brilliant Signature created custom designed signatures for their customers, supplying each customer with samples of three different signature options, a slow motion video and tracing paper. The team sold to clients both in New Zealand, Australia and Singapore.

To win the national title, A Brilliant Signature beat 17 other student businesses in the National Final. Each student business had just five minutes to pitch their business to a panel of judges. The judging panel included Simon Whyte, Chair of Lion Foundation; Graham Shaw, Professional Director; Sarah Gibbs, Founder of Trilogy; Rachel Taulelei, CEO of KONO NZ; and Mark Vivian, Partner from MOVAC Venture Capital.

CEO Kobe Huang was ecstatic about the win.

“I’m so excited for the future. For us, winning this prize means we’ve been recognised by businesspeople who have so much experience. There are so many opportunities ahead of us.”

The team hopes to expand globally in the next few years while continuing with their university education.

Each member of the winning team receives a scholarship to the Massey University Business School, and the team receives a $3000 cash award. Their school also receives a $2000 cash award.

Young Enterprise CEO Terry Shubkin was one of the first to congratulate the team. “A Brilliant Signature has displayed such maturity and insight this year. The students worked so hard and really deserve this success.”

More than 600 student companies have taken part in The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme this year. The one-year programme gives students an authentic learning experience which connects them with their community.