S.B.E.C. Awards recognise business excellence

By Ilia L. Likou 01 July 2017, 12:00AM

The Small Business Enterprise Centre (S.B.E.C) Trade Fair Awards shone the spotlight on the efforts of small businesses in Samoa on Thursday night.

Held at the Taumeasina Island Resort, the occasion was the finale of a week where S.B.E.C has been at the forefront of promoting the work of local businesses.

The awards ceremony was well attended.

It was divided into nine categories namely Agriculture, Fisheries, Tourism, Manufacturing, Transportation, Food and Beverage, Retail and General Trade, Technical Services and Professional Services.

The theme for this year’s Awards is “Driving sustainable business growth, recognising excellence.”

The evening was opened by the Minister of Public Enterprises, Lautafi Fio Purcell, who congratulated the award winners.

 “Everyone will agree that the development of small businesses plays a vital role in the growth of our economy, and tonight, we are acknowledging this contribution,” he said. 

“And that is exactly what we are trying to achieve here. 

The award is a platform to connect the businesses and help improve their products and services.

“A healthy level of competition can bring out the best in people, and this can be translated into improving their businesses. We hope that as an outcome of tonight’s event, we are able to do that.

“The government supports these types of events given the impact in can create through improved business practice and more importantly improved bottom lines.” 

So what’s next?

While the 2017 awards focus on small businesses, it has awaken some dormant similar ideas, and the government and S.B.E.C will look into making this into a national awards for all size businesses, micro, small, medium and large, with the support of all relevant ministries and stakeholders.

More than 100 small businesses from all over the country displayed a wide range of products supported by S.B.E.C’s Small Business Guarantee Scheme at the centre of Apia.

 

1. Agriculture Sector – Sara’s Vegetable Farm -Sara Ah Hoy, Aleisa

2. Fisheries Sector – Falemalu Fish Market - Tuitama Ma’ana, Sataua Savai’i

3. Tourism Sector – Taumeasina Hideaway - Sara & Masi Iona

4. Manufacturing Sector – Just Bricks - Tupa’i Newmann Peato

5. Transportation Sector – Loanafoa’s Car Rental - Papa John Fui

6. Food and Beverage – Connexions Cafe - Ellie Moananu

7. Retail and Trade Sector – Fia’s Supermarket - Fia Sapolu

8. Technical Services Sector – David’s Barber Shop – Salevasa Ah Poe.

9. Professional Services Sector – Ola Fou Medical Clinic – So’oalo Dr Titi Lamese

By Ilia L. Likou 01 July 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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