A host of businesses have again teamed up with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Samoa Chamber of Commerce for the annual Youth Co:Lab program with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The initiative, now in its fourth year, brings together youth entrepreneurs in the early stages of operating businesses to help them improve on business and financial plans, through the UNDP Sustainable Development Goals.
The industry interest of this year’s cohort ranged from transportation, food services, 3D mapping and manufacturing, to name a few.
Patrick Lawson of the Australian Foreign Affairs and Trade said, it was important to discuss and establish a common goal to create an enabling ecosystem to promote social innovation through entrepreneurial spirit for the benefit of Samoa.
Participant Grace Jaydene Teleaga said, she was impressed by all the methodology that will help promote and run her business smoothly.
“I have learned a lot from this workshop and am so honored to be part of it,” she said.
The one week training ended with the young entrepreneurs pitching to win seed-funding to support the development of prototypes for their business ideas for startup or the furthering of business developments for scale-up entrepreneurs.
“I feel extremely honored and humbled to be awarded the YCL Excellence Award 2022. It came as a complete surprise as there were so many creative and innovative ideas amongst our cohort,” said Taupa’ū Alex Mikaele of Manono.
