Empowering Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs Today

At A.B. Paterson College, we believe in the power of hands-on learning to prepare our students for the challenges of tomorrow. This year, our Year 10 Business & Economics students once again participated in the Young Change Agents’ $20 Boss program, a transformative experience that equips young people with essential enterprise skills by turning them into entrepreneurs with a social purpose.

The $20 Boss program, managed by the not-for-profit social enterprise Young Change Agents, gives students a unique opportunity to launch a business with just $20 of start-up capital per person. However, this is not just any business program; it is one that focuses on developing a broad range of skills, including critical and creative thinking, digital literacy, teamwork, project management, and financial literacy. Most importantly, each business created must operate as a social enterprise, with 100% of profits supporting a chosen charity.

This year, our students have excelled in creating innovative businesses that not only meet the financial viability criteria but also contribute meaningfully to society. From sustainable products to stress-relieving services, their businesses reflect the creativity, dedication, and empathy of our young entrepreneurs.

Student Businesses

• Bath & Glow Boutique: Specialising in calming candles and bath bombs, this business is all about promoting self-care while supporting mental health. With 100% of their profits going to Beyond Blue, they are helping to shine a light on the importance of mental well-being.
• Bead Brothers: Offering a customisable bracelet-making experience, Bead Brothers aims to promote mental well-being through creative expression. Their hands-on approach allows customers to craft their own unique accessories while contributing to Beyond Blue.
• Tidal Treasures: By repurposing discarded candles into beautiful seashell candles, Tidal Treasures raises awareness about ocean pollution. All profits from their sales are donated to Sea Shepherd Australia, an organisation dedicated to marine conservation.
• AB YoYos: In a bid to promote environmental responsibility, AB YoYos creates yoyos from recycled bottle caps. Their initiative encourages students to engage in eco-friendly play, with all proceeds supporting YOYO charity.
• Bracelet Boutique: Focused on timeless style and social impact, Bracelet Boutique crafts elegant bracelets and anklets, donating all profits to the Animal Welfare League (AWFL).
• Bouncy Bandz: This business brings fun and stress relief to students through their range of bouncy balls, with profits supporting the Black Dog Institute, a leader in mental health research and treatment.
• The Slime Hut: Targeting younger audiences, The Slime Hut sells slime to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House, an organisation that supports families with sick children.
• Flicker & Flame: Selling fragrant candles, Flicker & Flame aims to light up lives while supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation, making each purchase a meaningful contribution.
• Terrarium Treasures: With a focus on raising awareness about deforestation, Terrarium Treasures creates beautiful terrariums, with all profits going to Team Trees, an initiative to plant trees and restore forests.