Youth will grow businesses with USD5000 seed grants [1]
Friday, June 17, 2022 - 00:54. Updated on Friday, June 17, 2022 - 00:56.
The winners were Huni Tonga by Sela Maka, Kasanita ‘Ofa, Malia Vakapuna and Sokopeti Vite, and WETA Coffee Tonga by Joan Puloka Rigamoto, Mitna Taumoefolau and ‘Asena Lalahi.
They also shared their winning business pitch with the audience.
The MAA program is aimed at developing innovative young entrepreneurs that are well equipped to operate businesses in these challenging times, due to the impacts of Covid-19, climate change and other environmental risks and hazards.
Empowering youth
Lord Fakafanua, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, who presented the certificates and awards, commended TYEE on this important initiative and congratulated finalists.
He emphasized the importance of empowering the Tongan youths to contribute to growing Tonga’s economy in the future, as the solution to address the country’s financial and economic strugglesl, instead of relying on remittances and foreign assistance.
Lusia Latu-Jones, TYEE Director, said they were truly inspired by the resilience and commitment of the green entrepreneurs, during these challenging times, as well as the support of mentors and partners.
“If there is a time that is asking us to act and show our support to our youth, and entrepreneurs here today, whether through sponsorship, collaboration, sharing of resources, mentorship support, donation or purchase from their small businesses to help them realise their dreams, the time is now."
The inaugural MAA Pacific Greenpreneurs Incubator program ran from October 2021 to April 2022, with eight early-stage green enterprises participating in local and online workshops, regional training, mentoring, coaching and networking events.
The Mafoa ‘a e Ata-Youth Innovation Challenge Program is a pilot program by TYEE in collaboration with Partners - Breadfruit Consulting Port Villa, Vanuatu, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)’s Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN) and supported by Solutions Consulting House in Nuku’alofa.
The program is a three-year regional program funded by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) implemented in partnership by Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and TYEE in Tonga.
Other donors and partners also sent congratulations.
Five business finalists:
All Tongan registered, the finalists included Huni Tonga by Sela Maka, Kasanita ‘Ofa, Malia Vakapuna, and Sokopeti Vite (Waste Industry);
Ha’apai Hospitality by Rebecca Pepa (Tourism & Hospitality Industry), Weta Coffee Tonga by Joan Puloka Rigamoto and her team Mitna Taumoefolau and Asena Lalahi (Food & Retail Industry).
Eta's Creation by Kristy Lavulavu (Events Gifts & Crafts Industry) and Beauty with Style by Lavinia Fehoko (Fashion & Design Industry).
The graduation concluded with three finalists business displays, networking and connections between green entrepreneurs and invited guests.
The Tongan graduates are part of the regional Pacific Greenpreneurs alumni, comprised of 44 early- stage green enterprises who have completed the program in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
Meanwhile, applications for the 2022 Incubator and Accelerator programs will be open in coming months for businesses that are addressing social or environmental issues.