[Apia, Samoa, 29th November 2023] – Samoa Business Hub (SBH), in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) celebrated the graduation of three Samoan female green entrepreneurs during the 2023 graduation of the Pacific Greenpreneurs program, at the Samoa Business Hub Conference Room today.
The Pacific Greenpreneurs Incubator Program is an initiative of the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN), a program implemented by GGGI and funded by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).
Ms. Al-Jazi Al-Hanzab International Organizations Head Section Representative spoke on behalf of GGGI’s funding partner, the Qatar Fund for Development. She stated in her recorded remarks, “Your success today is a testament to the proven determination to address our planet’s pressing challenges. I urge you to continue with the same passion and dedication that brought you here. Embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for it is in overcoming them that you will truly make a difference,” Ms. Al-Jazi Al Hanzab said.
PGEN aims to support green, and inclusive job growth by supporting entrepreneurs particularly women and youth develop their green, and sustainable businesses whose business models includes solutions aimed at contributing to their country’s climate; and sustainable development goals in six Pacific Island countries including Samoa. The Incubator targeted innovative early-stage green micro, small, and medium-enterprises (MSMEs) with demonstrated growth potential that were still in pursuit of a scalable and repeatable business model through training. Graduating entrepreneurs participated in a business competition, with one deserving winner being awarded USD $5,000 (approximately WST $13,760) in seed grant funding announced at today’s event.
Dulcie Wong Sin of Agrippina’s Kitchen was awarded the top prize of USD$5,000 for her authentic and homely taste of Samoan hearty delicacies. No one walked away empty handed as Samoa Business Hub awarded 200 WST each to the runners up.
Mr. Amituanai Lameko, Manager, Special Project Unit, SBH delivered remarks on behalf of Madam Chair of SBH Board of Trustees Ms. Afioga Tuiloma Sina Retzlaf. Mr. Lameko stated, “You have filled our hearts with joy and pride, and we eagerly anticipate the remarkable contributions you will make to the business community and our country’s social and economic development. Be bold in your ambitions and take risks, for it is in those moments of stepping outside your comfort zone that you will discover your true capabilities.”
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Ms. Emmaflora Lemoa-Ah Tong thanked GGGI, QFFD and SBH. “I would like to take this moment to say a big “Faamalo” (Congratulations) to our cohort. Our journey throughout the past few months to this day, I believe was not easy, but the commitment and the hunger for us as green entrepreneurs to develop our skills and learn from others kept us going to this day. Thank you to our mentors, our coaches and the Samoa Business Hub for helping us along the way. Your work behind the scenes is not unnoticed, we thank you for believing in us and allowing us the opportunity to express our ideas and make it a reality.”
GGGI Project Manager Ms Esther Bates acknowledged the efforts of the Samoa Business Hub as the key implementing partner for this project in Samoa, and congratulated the graduating Greenpreneurs saying “Today’s graduates span a range of sectors, but they are united in being empowered and inspiring women with purpose-driven enterprises that are working to make the world a better place through environmental or social impact.”
In total, USD 30,000 (approximately WST $82,500) in grants have been awarded to Samoan enterprises to date under PGEN. The Samoan Greenpreneur graduates are part of the regional Pacific Greenpreneurs alumni, joining green enterprises who have completed the programs in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu.
For more information on the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network, visit: www.pacificgreenpreneurs.com
About the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)
With 48 Member States, GGGI is an intergovernmental organization that supports developing country governments’ transition to a model of economic growth that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. GGGI delivers programs in over 40 partner countries with technical support, capacity building, policy planning & implementation, and by helping to build a pipeline of bankable green investment projects. More on GGGI’s events, projects and publications can be found on https://gggi.org/ You can also follow GGGI on Twitter and join us on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
About Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD):
Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) is a Qatari public institution committed, on behalf of the State of Qatar, to implement foreign aid projects by international best practices and standards.
Since 2012, QFFD has been providing aid to many countries in accordance with the international cooperation goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. Its primary goal is to achieve inclusive and sustainable development by addressing global priority issues in education, health, and economic development. In this context, priority is given to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 3: “Ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all”;
- SDG 4: “Ensuring fair and inclusive education for all and enhancing lifelong learning for all”;
- SDG 8: “Promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and keeping full and productive employment and decent work for all.”
To realize the optimal development impact, QFFD projects are also designed to have cross-cutting co-benefits within SDG (2) on “Zero hunger” and SDG (6) on “Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” in addition to SDG (17) on “Partnerships to Achieve Goals.”
QFFD cooperates with many reputable actors through strategic partnerships both locally and internationally. These include Civil Society Organizations, government agencies, UN agencies, and the private sector.
About Samoa Business Hub (SBH):
Formerly known as SBEC, the Samoa Business Hub’s mandate is to provide assistance to all businesses in Samoa with the exception of multinationals; however its main target are the small enterprises.
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