Over 100 women in business and clients of South Pacific Business Development (S.P.B.D.) celebrated the spirit of entrepreneurship last week under the S.P.B.D Microfinance in Samoa.

The all women event is a boost for women entrepreneurs since the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic where the women participants displayed a wide range of products, most of which they had made themselves, with the help of micro loans from SPBD. 

S.P.B.D Microfinance organised its Market Place Exhibition on 8 June 2023, at the Malaefatu Park, to showcase the entrepreneurial success stories of its clients.

The exhibition was housed at a central location in Apia, Samoa’s capital where the vibrant displays and enticing aromas garnered much attention. 

As the visitors poured in, the products saw brisk sales which was immensely gratifying to these SPBD entrepreneurs.

This was a hugely helpful platform for SPBD members to come together and learn from each other’s entrepreneurial journeys. 

The event cemented their ties with SPBD and gave them an opportunity to upgrade their sales and marketing skills.

The market was buzzing with activity as many stopped by to sample some of the delicious foods at the food stands and buy some exclusive handicraft items, lovingly made and cheerfully sold by women who were enjoying every minute of the day. 

The exhibition highlighted the diverse types of businesses the Samoan women have set up including the production and sales of vegetables, snacks, fruits, traditional clothes such as lava-lavas, potted plants, decorations and jewellery.

A client from Vaitoloa brought her crabs over and was immediately bought for $500 tala by a Chinese tourist for watching and enthusiastically observing the women selling their produce while at the same time keeping them entertained with lively music and dancing. 

SPBD clients from Savaii immediately had avocados bought by one buyer, and the popular Savaii limus were immediately cleared and sold once they were displayed on their tables. 

Commenting on this wonderful social initiative, Gregory Casagrande, the President and Founder of SPBD Microfinance, said “The SPBD family across Samoa has over 6000 members. 

Mostly, passionate women entrepreneurs. It gives me immense pride and joy to see them progress on their start up journey and become breadwinners for their families. 

It is their dedication that powers the wheels of socio-economic growth for the country and it is their unbending spirit that inspires us as an organisation.”