Twenty young entrepreneurs who are looking to accelerate their business ideas in
the environment conservation and waste management space are taking part in the Youth Business
Incubator Programme, launched last week.
The Youth Incubator Programme builds on the existing Business Accelerator Programme, under
the Samoa Business Hub (SBH). Over the next ten weeks, participants will be involved in a series
of business development trainings, mentoring, coaching, and networking events, culminating in a
pitching competition.
This is part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s Circular Economy for the
Recovery of Waste (CERO Waste) Project, which seeks to pilot value chain development in waste
management in Samoa and Tokelau to explore and test innovative, adaptable and scalable circular
solutions for the recovery of low-value plastic, glass and paper waste streams.
The CERO Waste project aims to divert waste from landfills to address immediate waste
management and pollution challenges in Samoa and Tokelau.
“As an important component under this project, UNDP wants to help create employment for young
people in circular waste recovery industries in Samoa and Tokelau. We see young women and
men as key agents of change in a transition to a circular economy,” said Verena Linneweber,
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative.
“It is our hope that by the end of this programme, the participants will have developed the
confidence to kick-start their innovative business ideas. Over time, we are hopeful that
employment opportunities will be created from these businesses.”

Key activities under the CERO Waste project include an Internship Programme, focusing on green
employment with the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Ministry of Women,
Community and Social Development, the E-Youth Hub platform, a job-seeker site for youth, and
now, the Youth Business Incubator Programme with the Samoa Business Hub.

The Youth Incubator Programme aims to nurture and develop innovative business solutions to
waste recovery and waste management through trainings and the provision of resources for young
entrepreneurs.
“I joined this programme because I was interested in this movement to empower our youth and
give us the opportunity to access support, mentoring and resources that we wouldn’t otherwise
receive as youth in the community, so that we can develop our business ideas further,” said Filitino
Iosefa, Michelle’s Store.
“I wanted to learn ways I can contribute to my family business and how we can create green jobs
and contribute more to the community. I also wanted to learn more and validate my own new
business ideas,” said Alamita Pereira, Maali Company Ltd.
“Since I joined this Youth Business Incubator Programme, I have been given the confidence that I
can do more with my ideas, with some help,” said Talisua Ngg Cho, Ngg Cho Pioneers Company.
The Youth Incubator Programme is being implemented by the Samoa Business Hub in partnership
with UNDP.
“SBH is grateful for the opportunity to strengthen meaningful partnerships with organisations like
UNDP. Our focus is to play our role in developing youth and women in business and building their
capacity to make a positive contribution by eliminating waste and generating green jobs for the
people of Samoa,” said Rosemary Tone, Co-Facilitator, Youth Business Incubator, SBH.