Two Year 10 students from St Hilda’s have taken out the Teams Category for the WA division of the Plan Your Own Enterprise (PYOE) Competition 2025, showcasing creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Celebrating Young Entrepreneurs
Lucy and Isobel were recognised as state finalists at a ceremony hosted by Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand in Perth this November. With fellow classmates Indiana and Adelaide also receiving an Encouragement Award for their idea. Their achievements highlight the growing importance of empowering young women to explore business education and leadership roles.
Why Female Entrepreneurship Matters
Women now account for around one-third of Australia’s small business owners—a number that continues to rise. Between 2006 and 2021, female small business ownership grew by 24%, more than three times the growth rate for men (Hon Julie Collins MP, 2023). Encouraging girls to develop entrepreneurial skills is essential for building a more inclusive and innovative economy.
About the PYOE Competition
The PYOE competition, run nationally by Business Educators Australia and Business Educators of Western Australia (BEWA), gives secondary students hands-on experience in small business planning. Participants create a detailed business plan of up to 3,500 words, including:
- Marketing and pricing strategies
- Financial planning
- Staffing requirements
- Legal structure and location justification
- Future growth prospects
The girls completed their entry as part of their Year 10 Business Management and Enterprise elective.
LUPD: A Sustainable Fashion Solution
Lucy and Isobel’s business idea, LUPD, was inspired by a love of fashion and a commitment to sustainability. Recognising the environmental impact of fast fashion, they proposed a subscription-based clothing service:
- Customers receive monthly drops of fresh outfits
- After a month, items can be returned for a new selection
- Subscribers can choose to keep pieces for an additional cost
This innovative model combines convenience with eco-consciousness, offering a stylish alternative to fast fashion.
Encouragement Award: Angel Charm
Classmates Indiana and Adelaide also impressed judges, earning an Encouragement Award for their business idea, Angel Charm is a discreet, aesthetically pleasing bracelet that doubles as a personal safety device. Their bracelet includes pepper spray and a panic button, and unlike existing bulky products, Angel Charm focuses on functionality without compromising style.
Looking Ahead
All participating students said the competition strengthened their interest in pursuing Business, Accounting, Finance, and Economics in Years 11 and 12, with many considering commerce degrees for tertiary studies.
Congratulations, girls, on this fantastic achievement!
