
Talofa Lava and Welcome to the Business Growth Program
This training program is for Samoan business owners from any industry sector who quite simply want to grow their businesses. Ideally, you will have been in business for a couple of years and are looking to expand in Samoa or internationally. New or ‘start-up’ businesses who wish to embark on their growth journey are also welcome.
The Business Growth Program is a blend of ‘self-paced’ training, customised business coaching and topic specific master classes that aim to build business skills, drive innovation and business growth. The program was adapted from an original work by the International Labour Office (ILO) and the responsibility for any views and opinions expressed in the adaptation rests solely with the author and are not endorsed by the ILO.
BGIP participants will receive support from professional coaches and a dedicated core team of facilitators over the program’s duration. Integral is the involvement of partners, such as international mentors and business experts who share a common interest in developing the business community and economy of Samoa.
Investment opportunities will be a key element of the program’s offering including ways to access SBH’s Loan Guarantee.
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Business diagnostic – This will be used to identify ‘what is working well’ and where each business could benefit from support and advice. The results inform the coaching and mentoring support. |
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Business Training – The training component of the BGIP uses an on-line learning approach that aims to enhance the business skills of the participants. It incorporates key elements from the ILO’s SIYB Training package and includes training on a diverse range of business topics in three main units. The first unit introduces the program and challenges the participants to establish their business model by completing a mini business plan or a ‘Business Lean Canvas’. The second, ‘Improve Your Business’ Unit aims to strengthen your business processes and apply new concepts immediately in your business. The final ‘Grow Your Business’ Unit helps you to build and implement a strong growth strategy. The training is designed for self -paced learning and expected to take approximately ten months to complete. You are not alone in you learning because support is always available from the BGIP facilitators. | |
Master classes – A range of presentations are to be delivered by progam partners that focus on specific topics of interest to participants. Examples may include biosecurity and food safety standards, branding, intellectual property, export fundamentals, and Xero accounting software | |
Peer to peer learning and networking – A significant benefit of the BGIP will be interacting with other SMEs, and learning from your fellow participants about their challenges, successes and approaches. In addition, a number of business networking events will be run in conjunction with the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industry | |
Facilities- Training is generally on-line but regular seminars will take place at SBH’s new training rooms equipped with modern videoconferencing facilities. The BGP team aim to hold weekly business clinics and use facilities to link in the international mentors. | |
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Business coaching and mentoring – Participants will be matched with local business coaches and international mentors. These are experienced business people who can help participants to set goals, apply learning from the training and provide tailored advice in their area of expertise. Rotary Club of Auckland have partnered with SBH to connect experienced business members to program participants via videoconferencing and and introduce their broad international networks to the program. |