EMPOWERING NOFOTANE WOMEN: SIX ENTREPRENEURS AWARDED SEED FUNDING
One of the Nofotane women entrepreneurs with their seed fund (Photo: Supplied)
Six remarkable Nofotane women entrepreneurs have been honored with the prestigious Fatu Toa Award for Seed Funding, receiving USD 500 each to bolster their small businesses. This initiative stems from a collaborative effort between the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), aiming to uplift these enterprising women and foster economic empowerment.
Selected from a pool of 100 Nofotane women entrepreneurs who participated in the Business Development Training in February 2024, these six recipients demonstrated exceptional promise and dedication to business growth. Hailing from both Savaii and Upolu, these women represent the diversity and entrepreneurial spirit within their communities. Notably, one of the awardees is a Nofotane woman with a disability, highlighting the inclusivity of SVSG's programs.
The SVSG/ESCAP Nofotane Business Development Training Project, launched in November 2023, aims to empower Nofotane entrepreneurs, identified as Star Earners, by equipping them with essential business skills. Despite the competitive nature of the program, with close to 2,000 registered Nofotane entrepreneurs under SVSG's program, these six awardees stood out with their robust business plans and commitment to quality control measures.
This marks a historic moment as the Fatu Toa Seed Funding represents the first direct allocation of seed-fund grants to Nofotane women. Such recognition from UN ESCAP underscores the pivotal role these women play in driving economic growth within their families and communities.
Building upon SVSG's ongoing support for Nofotane entrepreneurs, which includes micro-financing partnerships with local institutions, the Fatu Toa Seed Funding signifies a new phase of direct funding support from development partners.
Beyond financial assistance, the recipients will participate in a Mentorship & Coaching Program, where they will be guided by respected mentors from their communities. By choosing Faletua or Church Minister's wives as mentors, the awardees honor these women's esteemed status and leadership within Samoan society.
The mentors will provide guidance on project implementation, while also ensuring the recipients' well-being and morale remain high. This holistic approach reflects SVSG's commitment to not only sustaining economic empowerment initiatives but also enhancing self-esteem and strengthening familial and community ties.
President Siliniu Lina Chang emphasized the program's overarching goal of empowering women while reinforcing their integral role in fostering the welfare of their families and communities.
This initiative aligns with SVSG's broader mission of violence prevention through economic empowerment, while also supporting UN ESCAP's efforts to address barriers faced by women entrepreneurs. Furthermore, it contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, including No Poverty, Gender Equality, Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequalities.
The progress of SVSG's work with Nofotane women signifies a significant step towards achieving sustainable development and fostering inclusive economic growth in Samoa. Through collaboration and targeted support, these women are not only transforming their own lives but also paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come.