Across the Pacific, more can be done to create entrepreneurial society where owning and running a business can be considered a credible career path for both men and women, however education and training through formal schooling is not sufficient. Investing in developing entrepreneurial skills of young people already engaged in economic activity will ensure sustainability of income generating activities at the village level.Poutasi Development Trust employs over 35 young farmers both male and female in the community gardening project. The project begun in 2009 with one project manager, now it injects over well over USD$3000.00 into the small community therefore sustaining livelihoods and building resilience in the community. The project has been solely funded by the Tindall Foundation from New Zealand and operated by one Project Manager alongside the community leaders and workers. FarmBiz Youth will provide young farmers with basic business skills to improve employ ability, encourage entrepreneurship and contribute to community development.

At the request of PDT, the Samoa Chamber of Commerce will hold trainings that are in line with the needs of young farmers in basic business skills. SBEC will be a collaborative partner who will provide the expertise and information on access to resources if young farmers were to choose to pursue entrepreneurial activities. The Samoa National Youth Council will assist in up-scaling the trainings to include other young farmers nationally. ILO will assist in funding the trainings and related activities.Targeted trainings includes- Basic communications within business- Accounting for non-accountants course- Basic marketing and sales course- Packaging and presentation of produce

The whole partnership is based on capacity building for young farmers. It will ensure that they are knowledgeable in the areas of business, accounting and communication. It will ensure that they are well versed and upskilled in the use of appropriate technology related to effectively run and maintain a community farming project.This partnership will build on the existing income generating activities within the village of Poutasi by supporting and providing training for young farmers on basic business skills. This partnership brings together an international Private Sector partner through Tindall, the local Private sector through the Chamber of Commerce and ILO under a common goal, to foster entrepreneurial skills among young farmers.

The partnership will be governed by representatives of each organization.PDTTindall FoundationSBECSamoa Chamber of CommerceSNYCILO

Poutasi Development Trust Tindall Foundation Small Business Enterprise Centre Samoa Chamber of Commerce Samoa National Youth Council International Labour Organisation