Helping to connect SMEs with the right business training on the island of Savai’i is the Business’ of Salafai Association (BoSA). BoSA is run by a hard-working group of volunteers, led by President Maria Lamositele.
The role of BoSA is to promote the educational and advisory services available from private sector organisations such as the Samoan Chamber of Commerce, Business Link Pacific (BLP) and the Samoan Business Hub.
“We talk to our business members and organise the right training and support through these private sector organisations to help them grow. We’re also just there for them, to listen and point them in the right direction.” Maria says BoSA has recently begun field trips to advise businesses on government regulations.
“Most of the members of the association are women” says Maria. “They don’t generally have formal training – maybe to high school and are not financially literate, so they particularly need help on things like tax issues and finance.
BLP’s Business Service Manager in Samoa John Lemoa, is a regular contact to Maria supporting training and development workshops run by the Association.
“In the training sessions John is so great. He is very skilled at explaining things such as Business Plans, Finance & Accounts to our members. He genuinely cares for our people and visits remote areas to visit those who cannot come into Savai’i as they don’t have vehicles. His trips into these areas are hugely valued.
As an experienced business owner, Maria is well placed to understand and support the development of small to medium-sized businesses on Savai’i. Aside from her work with BoSA, Maria currently runs an Airbnb and oversees another business.
She says “Samoan women are resilient and very competitive, so having competition is not a problem – if a monetary reward for the business is guaranteed. The future of women in business is positive and bright. I’m constantly amazed by the local women and the products being produced that are export quality but lacking the financial support to drive forward.”
She would like to see an incubator set up to showcase talent or products with the best chosen for further development by the government or a sponsor. She believes the business community could flourish given the right opportunities and hands-on support
In the last few years, she says there has been a growth in the Savai’i business community. “There has been the arrival of new retail businesses as well as more service businesses such as electricians and plumbers helping the area be more service sustainable, although there is a way to go in this area.”
“Since COVID19 some businesses are still struggling like small retail shops, restaurants/cafes, some mechanics, electricians and export farmers. A few hotels and beach fales are permanently closed.”
However new businesses emerged out of COVID. “COVID challenged the community to revisit our culture and resume our original lifestyle which was living off the land and be self-sufficient.” More women-led businesses are now using mobile phones like Messenger, Whatsapp and email for business. There has been an increased level of sponsored training to businesses. “It (COVID) wasn’t all bad” Maria says.
Congratulations to the BoSA in Samoa, and the many business associations across the Pacific working hard to support their local communities to build sustainable growth.
BLP facilitates access to business advisory services and financial support. To start your journey with BLP, you can self-assess your needs by using the free online tools available to help small- and medium-sized businesses diagnose areas in their businesses that an advisor could improve.
The first step can be the online Business Health Check. You can also check your business’s resilience to respond to crises or climate change challenges on the Business Continuity Planner and the Climate Action Sensor. If you prefer to meet a local BLP representative in person to discuss your business, get in touch with our local partners to arrange a face-to-face Diagnostic.