The scheme, co-ordinated by the Otago Chamber of Commerce, encourages 14 teams from eight Otago high schools to operate as small companies.
During the year, they come up with business ideas to make, sell or manufacture services or products, working their way through marketing, manufacturing, distribution and sponsorship, and delivering business strategies and reports.
The regional co-ordinator for the Young Enterprise Scheme, Paul Allen, said the standard of the oral presentations yesterday was the highest ever.
"On the day, several of these teams could have been chosen straight away as [Otago] finalists," Mr Allen said.
At the Glenroy Auditorium, under the eye of several local judges, Queens High School team MedeaCorp won the best business plan presentation, marketing a one-piece winter pyjama suit with sewn-in feet.
Otago Girls High School team Evolution won most investment potential award for its reusable, laminated carry bag targeting the tourism market, selling a run of 1500 bags to one buyer, and St Hildas team Iconic South won best oral presentation for its adjustable multi-use fashion or recreational pocketed polypropylene scarf.
Mr Allen said that between now and the regional finals in September, the teams would have to concentrate on marketing and making product sales while working towards the next segment of the competition, which will be presentation of the company's annual financial report.
The Otago winner will compete for the national title in Wellington in November.
Columba College was placed third last year.
