S.P.B.D. women: Pride of Samoa

By Elizabeth Ah-Hi 07 May 2018, 12:00AM

There is no lack of evidence that educational and financial empowerment of women can effectively lift any country out of poverty.

Which is why the South Pacific Business Development (S.P.B.D) honours the business acumen of its customers with its Annual Businesswomen Awards.

This year’s event took place last Friday at the Tuutuuileloloto Hall.

President and Founder of S.P.B.D Samoa, Greg Casagrande, said in a speech at the awards ceremony that the women entrepreneurs who created their business successes through microfinancing available through their institution were the pride of Samoa.

“These women entrepreneurs are the shining jewels of the S.P.B.D. family and the pride of their country,” he said. 

“They have created business successes that will inspire anyone who chooses to follow in their footsteps. As an organization we provide customized financial products along with strategic know-how on how best to deploy capital – but it is to the credit of these women that they’ve found niche business ideas and are servicing a market that continues to evolve and grow. 

Their agility in keeping themselves of market needs and trends is applause worthy.”

The South Pacific Business Development Microfinance’s (SPBD) 17th Annual Businesswoman Awards was attended by more than 200 guests including senior government officials, bankers and other important stakeholders,

The Minister of M.C.I.L and M.P.E , Lautafi Fio Purcell congratulated the women and offered some of his own business advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs. 

“In the business context it is always sweet to own and manage your own business for profit earning,” he said. 

“However I want to share with you some basic tips if you are to be successful in sustaining your businesses:

1. It is always good to start small and build up as you progress,

2. Create a bank savings account and save your business earnings,

3. You should get a salary from your business, but do not spend business earnings unnecessarily,

4. Make sure there are quality goods on the shelves all the time 

5. Focus on the needs of your customers & not just your business ideas,

Lautafi praised the women for being role models and for not only building a strong business for the betterment of their families but also for contributing to a stronger economy for Samoa and the region.

We salute the nominees and award winners of the S.P.B.D Annual Businesswomen Awards 

 

Overall Micro Businesswoman of the Year: Tutulu Meafou, Faleasiu 6 Centre

Small Medium Enterprise Overall Businesswoman of the Year: Maria Levy (Safotu 2 Centre)

Saver of the Year: Me Mu’a,  Vaovai Asau

Overall Best SPBD Centre: Satitoa Tauatia’e Centre.

By Elizabeth Ah-Hi 07 May 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>