APIA: 7 July 2010: Businesses in Samoa now have access to mentoring by highly experienced business volunteers through the Pacific Business Mentoring Programme.

The programme was launched in Apia this week by the Deputy Prime Minister, Misa Telefoni who gave his strong endorsement and encouraged Samoan businesses to take up the opportunity.   

“The government's priority is the equitable distribution of income; pushing medium to small business activity is the key to achieving such an objective," Misa said.

A team from Business Mentors New Zealand is currently in Samoa working with the Samoa Chamber of Commerce to roll out a pilot initiative funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme.   While here they will seek applications and select priority businesses which have real potential and will then link these people to experienced and high calibre New Zealand mentors.

“The New Zealand Government recognises the importance of a vibrant and growing private sector in contributing to economic development,” said David Dolphin, acting New Zealand High Commissioner.

“This programme aims to assist small and medium sized businesses in the Pacific to manage and grow their businesses in a way that supports sustained increases in production and employment over time,“ Mr Dolphin said.

The mentoring services will be strongly guided by Samoan business needs and will create a path by which Samoan businesses can access quality, professional business expertise from New Zealand and, increasingly, through locally trained business mentors.

It is hoped that these relationships will provide strategic advice that will enable Samoan business people who have good ideas and products to take the next step in developing their business, whether that be improving accounting practice, strengthening business planning, or linking to export markets.   

New Zealand Prime Minister Hon John Key announced the development of the Pacific Business Mentoring Programme to provide practical support for Pacific businesses at last year's Pacific Forum.

Samoa is one of 11 Pacific island countries to be included over the next three years and the programme has already been rolled out in Tonga and the Cook Islands.

For more information on how to access the Pacific Business Mentoring Programme contact Litia Brighouse, Samoa Chamber of Commerce, ph. 31090 or Carissa Palliser, New Zealand High Commission, ph. 21711.