The nationwide competition - run by MYOB in partnership with The Edge and the New Zealand Silver Ferns - saw small businesses from around the country apply for the challenge to take on The Edge Afternoons presenter, Jayden King, and a group of his Edge workmates, in a game of social netball with Silver Ferns giving support and tips to the teams along the way. The prize? Win the game and take home $5,000 for their business.
Sweat Sisters & Co., a local Manawatū activewear brand which promotes body positivity, was the chosen small business, with the team flown up to Auckland to play against Jayden in a social netball game which took place yesterday (Thursday 26th May).
Owner of Sweat Sisters & Co., Sarah Harris, said she only took over the business six-weeks ago and she applied for the competition on a whim after a friend suggested she do so and sent her a link to the entry page.
“I’ve always been a keen netballer and thought my team could give Jayden a good run for his money in a social game. The competition prize money was what really incentivised me to apply - I knew it would make such a huge difference to getting the business up and running and take away some of the financial pressures you naturally have when setting up your own business,” said Sarah Harris.
Talking about the competition concept, MYOB SME Marketing Manager, Emma McMulkin, explained: “We have seen first-hand how difficult the past two years have been for small businesses and we wanted to create a fun way, through our principal partnership with the Silver Ferns, to give back to one lucky business. Game day certainly highlighted the determination and passion small businesses are known for and we’re thrilled Sweat Sisters and Co. has left the netball court with some funds to put into their business.”
Jayden’s team got off to a strong start during the hotly anticipated game, but it wasn't long before Sweat Sisters & Co. began dominating the court, ending all four quarters with the score on their side. Both teams brought their A game to the netball court, with Sweat Sisters & Co. taking home the big win with a final score of 40-21.
New Zealand Silver Ferns captain, Gina Crampton, was at the game and said the determination from Sweat Sisters & Co. to win, was clear from the start.
“Performing on a netball court doesn’t just come down to skill - a large part of it comes down to a few core qualities including determination, confidence, creativity, and passion. These attributes go hand in hand with what is needed to start and run your own business, and today we saw Sarah leading her team out onto the court determined to win for the Sweat Sisters and Co. business. This kind of passion is what we love to see!” said Crampton.
Celebrating their big win, Sarah Harris of Sweat Sisters & Co., said: “It’s been a day to remember. Getting the opportunity to play with some Silver Ferns has been an experience like no other. To top it off with a win and taking home $5,000 for the business has left me speechless.
“This cash boost is going to make a huge difference and means I’ll now be able to invest more into marketing and advertising to ensure I can start to grow the Sweat Sisters and Co. brand and build a successful business.”
MYOB is the proud principal partner of the New Zealand Silver Ferns.
ENDS