Young entrepreneurs pitch investment ideas

13 October 2018, 12:00AM

Nerves were high as 15 entrepreneurs from the Young Entrepreneurs Chambers had five minutes to pitch their ideas in a closed session to Impact Investors that are in Australia as part of P.T.I. Australia’s Business Mission to Samoa.

The Pitchfest is a collaboration of the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Pacific Trade Invest Australia, providing an opportunity for the next generation of entrepreneurs from Samoa to connect and get direct feedback from international investors.

The entrepreneurs gained valuable feedback and perspective from the Impact Investors. Entrepreneur Olisana Mariner, founder of The Hub pitched her social enterprise that makes spaces where people can create, collaborate and connect Samoa to the world.

 “It was a little intimidating pitching, these are international investors and very successful business people,” she said. 

“Their feedback has been so valuable, they have already given me three to five practical steps to look into. It’s been an amazing experience to be part of and I’m thankful to P.T.I. Australia and the Chamber for bringing this opportunity to Samoa, you don’t often get feedback from international investors and business leaders. It has validated that I’m on the right track and I’m excited to keep going on my journey.”

The four international impact investors on the panel were Bill Murphy and Kristen Joiner, Enterprise Angels; Joe Tuaimau, Australian Entrepreneur and Bernard Tuaimau, Co-Chair, Pacific Business Sports & Entrepreneurs. 

The panel were excited by the pitches they had heard.

 “I’ve been amazed by the pitches, they are so passionate and intelligent and there are some real innovative ideas,” said Tuiamau. 

“An important thing when pitching is being clear in their story and in what you are looking for from an investor is it mentoring, funds etc which many of the entrepreneurs delivered today.”  

13 October 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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