Tongan Green Enterprises graduate from the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network Incubator program and two business plan competition winners were awarded US$5,000 each
Nuku’alofa Tonga, 23rd February 2023 – It was a proud moment for Five Tongan green enterprises to graduate from the Pacific Greenpreneurs Incubator program, implemented by Global Green Growth Institute in partnership with Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Inc - TYEE.
The Graduation Ceremony showcased and celebrated the achievements and growth of the Tongan Incubator program participants, coaches, mentors and other parties involved in the program. The ceremony took place as a blended event, with Tonga-based guests and participants attending in person at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel in Nuku’alofa, Tonga and attendees joining virtually.
The Incubator program is part of the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN), a 3-year regional program funded by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and implemented by GGGI and local partners. The 2022 Pacific Greenpreneurs Incubator program ran from September 2022 to December 2022, with eight early-stage green enterprises from Tonga participating in local workshops, regional training, mentoring, coaching, and networking.
Speakers at the event included Mr Daniel Muñoz Smith - GGGI Country Representative for Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga & Vanuatu, Hon. Dr Viliami Uasike - Minister for Trade and Economic Development and Ms Faiána Lupe Falekimoana Fukofuka Fe'aomoeata who spoke on behalf of the graduates.
GGGI Country Representative for Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga & Vanuatu, Mr Daniel Muñoz-Smith, emphasized on GGGIs’ vision of supporting budding young green entrepreneurs in Tonga to thrive and make a positive change in the world.
He also thanked the participants of the program saying “We recognize the need for a new generation of entrepreneurs in the Pacific that will initiate and develop new green businesses that will be the heart of tomorrow’s green growth economy, and we’re here to celebrate them today. These businesses span a range of sectors; however, they are united in having purpose-driven enterprises that are working to make the world a better place through environmental or social impact.”
The Hon. Minister Uasike expressed his support for the Incubator Program saying that “The Government of Tonga is supportive of GGGI and QFFD’s Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network supportive of their contributions to addressing the barriers to green enterprise growth and building Tonga’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The program aligns well with MTEDs objective towards the achievement of the national economic outcome through its three key organizational outcomes.”
He thanked all the graduates and highlighted the need for more green entrepreneurs saying, “Tonga needs more entrepreneurs, such as our graduating enterprises here today, to help drive green recovery and build a strong green and resilient economy for Tonga. We all know that getting into business is not for the weak-hearted. It carries a lot of financial risks and personal sacrifice, dedication, grit and effort to succeed and therefore wish to commend all of you for your courage.”
Speaking on behalf of the graduating Greenpreneurs, Faiána thanked GGGI and QFFD, saying “Thank you for supporting green and inclusive job growth by supporting entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth. Developing their green and sustainable businesses whose business model includes solutions aimed at contributing to their country’s climate and sustainable development Goals in 6 Pacific island countries. Tonga and other Pacific Islands are blessed and we can't thank you enough.”
She also spoke about how the journey was a very impactful one, saying, “We are here today as the 5 finalists of the incubator program graduating. But we look back to day one and our journey in this program, we all feel blessed. Being a green entrepreneur in a changing world in such a generation is not easy. But as green entrepreneurs, it is important for economic development. Green Entrepreneurs make a significant contribution to eliminating unemployment, poverty and environmental problems. Green entrepreneurs have a greater role in environmentally friendly practices than any other entrepreneurs. We do provide environmentally friendly products and services or clean technology assistance etc and they all contribute to the green economy. Protecting our environment is the most important issue of our time.
All the graduating enterprises represent a variety of sectors including agriculture, agro-processing, circular economy, eco-friendly jewellery, manufacturing, textiles, robotics and organic farming; namely Defiant Robotics, Pearls of Vavaú, Green Engine Solutions, Believing in Grace Inc, and FANE.
The Incubator program culminated in a Business Plan Competition, with two winners announced at the event. Mr Arthur Cocker – Defiant Robotics and Ms Faiána Lupe Falekimoana Fukofuka Fe'aomoeata - Pearls of Vavaú were awarded USD 5,000 (TOP 11,806) each in seed grant funding to invest in their business growth.
The Tongan Incubator Greenpreneur graduates are part of the regional Pacific Greenpreneurs alumni, comprised of early-stage green enterprises who have completed the program in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu.
Applications for the 2023 Incubator program will be open in the coming months. For more information on the program, visit www.pacificgreenpreneurs.com
