NUKU’ALOFA, TONGA: Saturday, 11th June 2022 - Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Inc. (TYEE) Mafoa ‘a e Ata (MAA) - Youth Innovation Challenge (GGGI Pacific Greenpreneurs Network (PGEN) Incubator Program) held a Graduation Ceremony for its first cohort at Davina House, Nuku’alofa. The inaugural MAA Pacific Greenpreneurs Incubator program ran from October 2021 to April 2022, with eight early-stage green enterprises participating in local and online workshops, regional training, mentoring, coaching, and networking events.

The Mafoa ‘A e Ata – Youth Innovation Challenge Program is a pilot program proudly brought to you by Tonga Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship Inc. (TYEE) in collaboration with Partners - Breadfruit Consulting Port Villa, Vanuatu, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)’s Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN), and supported by Solutions Consulting House in Nuku’alofa. The Pacific Greenpreneurs Incubator program, a 3-year regional program funded by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and implemented in partnership by Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and TYEE in Tonga. 

Mr. Fahad Al-Dehaimi, International Aid Officer shared a message on behalf of the Qatar Fund for Development, congratulating the graduates and applauding their resilience and success that they have achieved so far, especially their resilience in the face of Covid-19 and the challenges of climate change. He highlighted the importance of the program to the State of Qatar and thanked the governments of the participating countries for their support of the project.

Mr. Daniel Muñoz-Smith, GGGI Country Representative for Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Kiribati also addressed the event virtually, congratulating the Tonga graduates on their achievements and expressing GGGI’s confidence in their potential to achieve great things for their communities in Tonga. Mr. Muñoz-Smith shared that GGGI is particularly looking forward to seeing how the winners invest their USD 5,000 to help them grow their businesses. He acknowledged the partnership between GGGI and TYEE and welcomed the Tonga graduates to become part of the regional GGGI Pacific Greenpreneurs Network Alumni. 

The MAA program is dedicated to developing innovative, young entrepreneurs that are well equipped to operate businesses in these challenging times due to the impacts of Covid-19, climate change and other environmental risks and hazards.  Tonga is one of six countries participating in this pilot program, together with Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Papua New Guinea. The overall objective of the MAA is to create, support and facilitate innovative businesses that are sustainable and resilient in the Kingdom of Tonga.  Chris Elphick of Breadfruit Consulting also joined the event online from Vanuatu congratulating the participants on their achievements and wish them the very best.

The program started in Tonga last October 2021 and completed in April 2022, fifteen qualified participants/green entrepreneurs made up of eight green enterprises as individual operators and teams. Five enterprises successfully completed the program made up the five finalists to compete for the two USD5,000 seed grants. The Business Plan Competition comprised of each enterprise’s business pitch presentation and business plan documents and a judging panel independently evaluated the submissions.

​The highlight of the Graduation event was the announcement of two Tongan winners of the 2021 MAA Pacific Greenpreneurs Business Plan Competition, the culmination of the incubator program after six months of work. The winners, both youth and women-led enterprises, are HUNI TONGA by Ms. Sela Maka, Ms. Kasanita ‘Ofa, Ms. Malia Vakapuna, and Ms. Sokopeti Vite, and WETA Coffee TONGA by Ms. Joan Puloka Rigamoto, Ms. Mitna Taumoefolau and Ms. ‘Asena Lalahi will each receive USD 5,000 in seed grant funding to invest in growing their businesses. Winners were provided with the opportunity to share their winning business pitch with the audience at the event.

​Ms. Kristy Lavulavu, Owner/Entrepreneur of ETA’S CREATION (Gifts & Crafts) delivered her remarks on behalf of the participants, inspiring her fellow graduates to “Let us leave a trail that others will be proud to follow. It is up to all of us to make a difference, to have people say honourable things about us, and leave the impression that you never gave up on yourselves. Tonga is counting on us”.

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​A special acknowledgement to Mrs. Viola Kolomatangi Ulakai, CEO of Tonga Broadcasting Commission (TBC) and her news crew and cameramen for their generous coverage of the whole program of the day and extending it to both the TV and Radio Tonga News.

The graduation event concluded with three Finalists Business displays, networking and connections between green entrepreneurs and invited guests.

The Tongan graduates are part of the regional Pacific Greenpreneurs alumni, comprised of 44 early-stage green enterprises who have completed the program in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu.

Applications for the 2022 Incubator and Accelerator programs will be open in coming months for businesses that are addressing social and/or environmental issues. For more information on the program, visit: www.pacificgreenpreneurs.com.

(Photos by South Seas Photography, Nuku’alofa).  

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About Mafoa 'A e Ata Youth Innovation Challenge Program

The Mafoa ‘A e Ata – Youth Innovation Challenge Program is proudly brought to you by Tonga Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship Inc. (TYEE) in collaboration with our Partners - Breadfruit Consulting Port Villa, Vanuatu, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)’s Pacific Green Entrepreneurship Network (PGEN) and supported by Solutions Consulting House in Nuku’alofa. 

​Below are the 5 Tonga Finalists for the Mafoa 'A e Ata (GGGI Incubator) Cohort 2021 Business Plan Competition, and the winners will be announced at a Graduation Event next month, June.

With our Partners, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN), Breadfruit Consulting, and supported by Solutions Consulting House (SCH) - we are delighted to showcase the following five Green Businesses as our Tonga Finalists from the Mafoa 'A e Ata Youth Innovation Challenge 2021-2022.  We have now completed Phases 1 & 2 of the Innovation Challenge with their final Business Plan Competition Documents submission to GGGI, 14th April 2022.  In no particular order the five finalists are:

• Eta's Creation by Kristy Lavulavu - Gifts & Crafts
• HUNI by Sela Maka, Kasanita 'Ofa, Malia Vakapuna, Sokopeti Vite - Waste
• Beauty with Style by Lavinia Fehoko - Fashion Tailor & Design
• Ha'apai Hospitality by Rebecca Pepa, Mahe Pepa - Tourism & Hospitality
• WETA Coffee Tonga by Joan Puloka, Mitna Taumoefolau, 'Asena Lalahi - Food & Retail

Each green business is competing for the seed grant USD 5,000 which is made possible through the support and assistance of our Partner GGGI Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN). This final submission will be followed by a graduation celebration next month in May to announce the winners!  We would like to acknowledge and thank wholeheartedly to our Partners for their support which inspires us here in Tonga to have these partnerships to help our local youth-led green businesses grow, develop and scale. 

It has been an amazing experience and journey with our local Green Entrepreneurs and their youth-led green businesses. But what do we mean when we say green entrepreneurs and green businesses? According to our partner, GGGI Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network - "we are talking about a business or individual that is purpose-driven in addressing social and environmental issues through the services and products they deliver".

Who will be our Tonga Business Plan Competition winners?
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The goal of the Mafoa ‘a e Ata – Youth Innovation Challenge program is to create,  support and facilitate innovative businesses that are sustainable and resilient in the Kingdom of Tonga. With a  theme, ‘Innovating for the Unexpected: Resilience and Sustainability  in the face of Uncertainty’.

About Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI):
Based in Seoul, GGGI is an intergovernmental organization that supports governments of developing countries to transition to a model of economic growth that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. GGGI delivers programs in over 40 partner countries with technical support, capacity building, policy planning & implementation, and by helping to build a pipeline of bankable green investment projects. More on GGGI’s events, projects, and publications can be found on www.gggi.org. You can also follow GGGI on Twitter and join us on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
 
The regional Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN) is a 3-year project funded by the Qatar Fund for Development and implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute in collaboration with in-country partners including Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship. The Network aims to support green and inclusive job growth by supporting entrepreneurs (particularly women and youth) develop their green and sustainable businesses whose business models include solutions aimed at contributing to their country’s climate and sustainable development goals in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. For more information, please visit the Pacific Greenpreneurs website. 

​SATURDAY 4th December 2021: Mafoa ‘a e Ata Breakfast catch up

A beautiful morning at Waves Café, Nuku’alofa, where the Mafoa ‘a e Ata participants gathered to interact with each other and share more upon business and innovation challenges. 
We are grateful for the presence of Mrs. Sela Bloomfield (Lawyer, Solutions Consulting House – partner of the Mafoa Ae Ata Program) who took a bit of her time to share some of her understanding upon challenges people face in the private sector. Mrs Bloomfield expressed that she is beyond happy that there are young entrepreneurs that are being nurtured by the Mafoa ‘a e Ata Innovation Challenge because “it is really important that you are provided with the right tools”, she stated. 

Mrs Bloomfield shared about the challenges private sector faces but at the same time showed her understanding upon the government’s point of view upon business licensing, regulations, etc. She voiced that “sometimes starting up a business in Tonga can be difficult”. Her reasons was because youths that are not fed with the right information may be confused on where and how to start, also where to get support. She highlighted the importance of networking with one another and if there is any information needed upon starting up a business, she is happy to help.

She ended her discussion with the Mafoa ‘a e Ata participants by sharing how pleased she is to be part of the Mafoa ‘a e Ata Innovation Challenge process. She wished everyone their best and showed her support by looking forward for more programs TYEE is organizing in the future. Mrs Lusia Latu-Jones (Director of TYEE) acknowledged Mrs Bloomfield time with the entrepreneurs and was thankful for her presence and sharing.

The Mafoa ‘a e Ata participants later sat and shared upon their personal challenges as youth entrepreneurs while being served breakfast. Ms. Kasanita ‘Ofa (Mafoa ‘a e Ata participant, Owner of Sissy Shoetique) shared upon her challenges with time management. How she struggles with balancing her time at work and with managing her small business at home. She ended with sharing that she’s still practicing managing her time wisely and prioritizing what’s more important to her which is her small business.  

On the other hand, Ms. Christy Lavulavu (Mafoa ‘a e Ata participant, Owner of Etas Creation) showcased her struggles with having little to no sleep with her work schedule. As she elaborated more upon her struggle as a sole trader, everyone in the room voiced out ways to help her. Ms. Lavulavu shared that she has been running around to meet the needs of her customers that sometimes she lacks sleep. “I need a hand with what I do, sometimes I only have 3 hours of sleep, and then I’m up and work 16 hours a day”, she added. 

The participants all shared ways on how to help Ms. Lavulavu with their personal entrepreneurial experiences. “Your mind is your greatest asset, you need to let it rest”, Ms ‘Ofa voiced. Ms. Lavulavu has been having difficulty with her stress level as an entrepreneur that she was advised to off her cell phone and enjoy her breakfast while listening to everyone’s helping advice. Mrs. Jones expressed the importance of having to prioritize health while being an entrepreneur. “Your health is more important than money, take care of yourself or else you’re going to end up running yourself down”, she stated. 

Being stressed plays a part in the entrepreneurial world. The way we handle it is important to practice. Everyone in the room shared upon their individual ways of dealing with stress and it was refreshing to hear. “Always have someone to share what you’re stressed about, don’t let it affect you, share it to your mum”, Ms. ‘Ofa expressed. “Sunday is the day when I practice ‘me time’, I make sure to off my phone, play music and cruise around with my friends to the beaches and distress”, Ms. Lavinia Fehoko (Mafoa ‘a e Ata participant) added. Ms. Lavulavu seemed relieved by the advices the participants and Mrs. Jones shared with her.
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It was a beautiful morning. Everyone walked in blissful, some walked in stressed. But at the end of our Mafoa ‘a e Ata breakfast sharing session, everyone left relieved, but most importantly, everyone left with a valuable lesson. Always have time for yourself. 

​The Mafoa ‘A e Ata – Youth Innovation Challenge Program is proudly brought to you by Tonga Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship Inc. (TYEE) in collaboration with our Partners - Breadfruit Consulting Port Villa, Vanuatu, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)’s Pacific Green Entrepreneurship Network (PGEN) and supported by Solutions Consulting House in Nuku’alofa.

When we think about business, we also need to consider thinking about the crucial role business networking plays in business. This is a process businesses use to achieve business and career growth.  Such as people with the same interests in the business industry gather in a certain space to assist and help themselves in the business world. They also establish a mutual yet beneficial relationship with other businesspeople or potential clients or customers.

Mafoa ‘a e Ata young participants had the opportunity of gathering for a business networking event that will benefit them as young entrepreneurs. TYEE hosted this event with the purpose of the Mafoa 'a e Ata participants to gain fresh ideas from other businesses, also gain more knowledge, get business advice and support, also develop their social skills and lastly, build relationships.

However, businesses were invited to the Mafoa ‘a e Ata Business Networking event which included business leaders, ceos, and youth entrepreneurs. Guests started arriving at the TYEE Youth Career Centre at Mataika, Nuku'alofa where the event took place at 5pm and were placed for seating. As we all know how the ‘Tongan time’ operates, we waited for more guests including guest speakers to arrive before we were able to start the event.

While awaiting the rest of the guests to arrive, our guest speaker that was present on the day is a youth entrepreneur for which we are thankful for, Ms Lesieli Kafa, Owner of Raleny.  As she was placed for seating, our Mafoa ‘a e Ata business networking event took off with an opening prayer that was conducted by one of our guests on the day, a youth entrepreneur, Mr Fangatapu Finau, Manager of Finau Agricultural Farmwork.

The Welcoming remarks were conducted virtually on Zoom by Ms Esther Bates, GGGI's Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network Project Manager followed by an introduction by the Director of TYEE, Lusia Latu-Jones. Mafoa ‘ a e Ata participants were then called up front individually to present themselves with a short introduction.

Moving on, our guest speaker for the day, Ms Lesieli Kafa (27) started her speech with a short introduction. She then later elaborated upon the small business that she manages alongside her sister. They are both young entrepreneurs that started their business brand "Raleny” which are products made out of unused clothes, such as scrunchies, bags, masks, etc.

Ms Kafa concluded her speech with a message to never look down upon anyone and always help out if someone needs it. Ms Kafa expressed upon her struggles trying to make a living for herself, and she left that message upon the rest of the guests in the room.

Mafoa ‘a e Ata participants and Guest Speaker were then given the time to interact upon Questions and Answers. The closing prayer and blessing of the refreshment was handled by the TYEE program assistant, Mr. Sebastian Sila and was followed by a vote of thanks by the TYEE Director, Lusia Latu-Jones.

Nevertheless, refreshments were made available and business networking became present. Mafoa ‘a e Ata participants and other business folks socialized with each other while having their refreshments. During their interaction, a youth member from the BSP Bank, Mr Filisione Manufekai spoke upon his experience with TYEE as the reason behind his employment at the BSP Bank is because of TYEE’s program and help, and for that he is grateful.

As the event flows, Mrs Haley Takau, Entrepreneur English Tutor wanted to share a piece of advice with the young entrepreneurs saying to give their customers a little treat when they are being loyal to their business. "When you have customers, treat them well", she stated. This is her way of keeping customer loyalty and showing them that they are appreciated for choosing her service.

Mr Neil Jones, Tonga Power NNUP Project Leader conducted a few words stating how pleased he is with the creativity that youths bring in the room. Through his experiences and expertise as an entrepreneur, he gave a few words of advice towards the youths in the room, highlighting the importance of working hard for what you want. “Once you start having these ideas, once you start believing in what you’re doing, never stop and you’ll be amazed in what you can achieve”, he added. He elaborated more upon the multiple times he has fallen over during his entrepreneurial journey, yet he learned from them, he added that “the more you do, the more you learn”. Mr Jones then concluded his message by stating to the youths to put their heart 110% into what they do, and they will do well.

On the other hand, Mr Pesalili Takau, Tonga Power NNUP Project employee shared upon his experience with TYEE since their establishment. He then shared how amused he is to witness the number of female entrepreneurs in the room and showed his appreciation of that by raising a toast to women who are striving in the business world.

To end the event, our previous guest speaker from the Mafoa 'a e Ata meet and greet brunch Ms Cassandra Lupe’eva Moala-Mafi, Owner of Prestige shared upon how proud she is with the Mafoa ‘a e Ata participants showcasing how confident they became since their last meet up. She elaborated upon how she relates to the youth entrepreneur guest speaker of the evening Ms Lesieli Kafa. She went on with sharing how they share the same story upon the reason behind their business start-up, “everyone has their own story to tell”, she stated. She concluded the evening with her speech by encouraging others in the room to be more involved in functions held by TYEE, especially business networking, as this has many benefits for them and their businesses.  

NUKU’ALOFA, Saturday 13th November 2021: Mafoa ‘a e Ata’s Participants Meet and Greet Brunch

What an event!

A room full of bold, passionate & innovative minds!

While streaming through our Mafoa ‘a e Ata journey, it is with great pleasure to say that our participants have finally met each other physically. Our meet and greet brunch has gathered together youths that are full of braveness, discovery minds and values.  As we gathered our Mafoa ‘a e Ata participants’ in one room, humour becomes present and for this, our event was as bright, successful and most importantly, youthful.

Participants arrived earliest at 9.30 am, they were greeted by our TYEE family, followed by a photo session, and were placed for seating. As everyone gathered, we awaited our two guest speakers, which we are thankful for, Mrs. ‘Ioana Sugar (Owner, South Seas Trading, Tonga Ltd) & Ms Cassandra Lupe’eva Moala-Mafi (Managing Director/Youth Entrepreneur, Prestige).

Opening prayer and welcoming remarks were conducted by the TYEE Director (Mrs Lusia Latu-Jones) and followed by our Mafoa ‘a e Ata participants’ short individual introduction.  

Ms Cassandra Lupe’eva Moala-Mafi (29) took off as our first guest speaker for the day. She delivered herself with an introduction and spoke on why, how, when and where her business took place. Ms Cassandra is currently running her own marketing and promotion business named 'Prestige' and is going on 10 years of operation. Ms Cassandra stated that her entrepreneurial journey started at the age of 19 and was indeed refreshing to hear upon her story. Ms Cassandra’s story touched youths with the message of having to stay motivated and knowing that no matter what age they are in, the day they choose to become an entrepreneur is the day they will have to accept and adapt to the change that comes with it.

As Ms Cassandra shared more upon herself, she highlighted the importance of having a positive mindset and how to stay innovative. She stated that having a positive mindset can go a long way, it does not matter what you do but if you stay positive, everything will fall into place. Also, to finish off her presentation she elaborated more upon innovation, she stated that “innovation comes from innovative thinking, and if you are ready to be different, you have to be prepared for change”.

On the other hand, Mrs. ‘Ioana Sugar (52), our second guest speaker, began her presentation with a short emotional introduction of herself upon who she is, what she does for a living and how it is today. Mrs Sugar elaborated upon her entrepreneurial journey which started 28 years ago (1993) alongside her husband. They took the risk of leaving their day-to-day jobs and opened a small brewery and liquor store that brews and sells alcohol, both retail and wholesale across Tonga. She highlighted the struggles of having a business start-up upon the first 5 years of operation but with the right mindset, consistency and supporting partner, everything will take shape.

Furthermore, Mrs Sugar highlighted the importance of fighting for what you want. She stated that if you have a goal for yourself, you have to be willing to believe in yourself, tackle obstacles along the way and fight for it. Going on with Mrs Sugar's speech, she indicated that sacrificing and moving towards committing to your work is also very vital for a successful business,"…youths nowadays have to be aware of this", she said. She also added on how crucial it is for an entrepreneur to be aware of the people he/she is surrounded with.  Speaking of her experience over the years as a business person, she stated that a person must have a supportive surrounding. "Your friends and family should be your first customers, not your first debtor", she stated.

Nevertheless, taking care of employees can go a long way, Mrs Sugar directed. "Make sure to take care of your employees and they will take care of your customers, make them happy and they will make you and your customers happy” she expressed. Everyone in the room nodded their heads as they agreed.

She concluded her speech upon the great value of having a supportive partner. She specified that it is very important for a business person to have a supportive partner that has the same business mindset as you and who will be a backbone upon what you do. She indicated that she and her husband have been operating their business for a long period because they both love and value what they worked hard for.
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After the presentations of guest speakers took place, participants Q & A discussions with guest speakers led on. Questions were asked from our Mafoa ‘a e Ata participants and were discussed with guest speakers, such as what are the challenges they face nowadays and how they dealt with them, also what they look for in employees when hiring, etc.

Both guest speakers gave a slice of their expertise and experience to answer each question given. They highlighted the biggest challenge both their businesses is facing today and that is the effect of the global pandemic. Ms Cassandra sounded that her business used to focus on international tourists as her target market but with the borders closed, she had no choice but to reconstruct her business and set the local tourists as her target market. “This is another way of me being innovative", Ms Cassandra stated as an example of being innovative upon her action towards reconstructing her business due to the pandemic.  As for Mrs Sugar, on the other hand, she explained how the Covid-19 pandemic took 40% of her sales on her business, but with hard work and commitment, her business is managing through this difficult time.

Moving on, both guest speakers highlighted the importance of hiring a person that is honest, has a good heart, has genuine intentions and has good morals.  “These are qualities that cannot be taught and if I was to hire someone, these are the things that I will look for in a person", Ms Cassandra voiced. Working with employees that have these qualities will help avoid problems in the future for any workplace and it also enables self-improvement for that person, both guest speakers highlighted.

To end the day, Sebastian Sila, Tyee’s program assistant, delivered a word of thanks towards the participants, guest speakers and sponsors and followed by saying grace to end our successful event. Mafoa ‘a e Ata participants and guest speakers were then given time to have brunch and refreshments.  This was a crucial part of the event so that participants’ can interact with one another and also exchange information with guest speakers and other participants. Our Meet & Greet Brunch ended with a room full of humility, boldness, humorous youths, and interaction of innovative entrepreneurial minds. 

The Mafoa ‘A e Ata – Youth Innovation Challenge Program is proudly brought to you by Tonga Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship Inc. (TYEE) in joint implementation and collaboration with our Partners - Breadfruit Consulting Port Villa, Vanuatu, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)’s Pacific Green Entrepreneurship Network (PGEN) and supported by Solutions Consulting House in Nuku’alofa.

On 13th October 2021 marked a unique joint implementation of the Global Green Growth Institute’s (GGGI) Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN) Program with their local partner on the ground, Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (TYEE). The MoU was signed virtually by Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Director-General of GGGI and Lusia Latu-Jones, President/Director of TYEE. Read more here. Read more here.

This was followed by the Participants’ Orientation Day on 28th October 2021 which was a combined session held virtually and in-person onsite at TYEE. Read more here.

The official kickstart of the Mafoa A e Ata Program in Tonga was held virtually on 2nd November 2021, and during the recent COVID-19 Lockdown on the main island of Tongatapu. Official Partners' Representatives attended the virtual event - Chris Elphick from Breadfruit Consulting, Esther Bates (GGGI's Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network Project Manager), and William Rolston (GGGI's Senior Officer for the Tonga Program), and Mrs. Sela Bloomfield from Solutions Consulting House, the Participants/Entrepreneurs of the Mafoa A e Ata Program, and the support staff of the Program from TYEE. This was also an opportunity for the Participants to introduce themselves, Partners, and support staff from TYEE.

About Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI):
Based in Seoul, GGGI is an intergovernmental organization that supports governments of developing countries to transition to a model of economic growth that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. GGGI delivers programs in over 40 partner countries with technical support, capacity building, policy planning & implementation, and by helping to build a pipeline of bankable green investment projects. More on GGGI’s events, projects, and publications can be found on www.gggi.org. You can also follow GGGI on Twitter and join us on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
 
The regional Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN) is a 3-year project funded by the Qatar Fund for Development and implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute in collaboration with in-country partners including Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship. The Network aims to support green and inclusive job growth by supporting entrepreneurs (particularly women and youth) develop their green and sustainable businesses whose business models include solutions aimed at contributing to their country’s climate and sustainable development goals in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. For more information, please visit the Pacific Greenpreneurs website. 

Nuku'alofa, 28th October 2021:  Tonga Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship Inc. (TYEE) hosted the first combined virtual and on-site Orientation Workshop for the selected local youth and women entrepreneurs with their enterprises to kick start the MAFOA 'A E ATA - Youth Innovation Challenge Program in Tonga. 

We are so inspired by the amazing applications we have received for the 2021 MAFOA 'A E ATA - Youth Innovation Challenge Program, the Tonga version of the GGGI Pacific Greenpreneurs Incubator Program. 

"Mafoa 'A e Ata and green entrepreneurship is at the heart of sustainable growth and it’s great to see the passion and innovation of Tonga  entrepreneurs!  This is about being part of something bigger than yourself.  With eight teams in Tonga being selected with a total of fifteen team participants (13 from Tongatapu Island and 2 from Ha'apai Island) to kickstart the Mafoa 'A e Ata - Youth Innovation Program - we are stoked!",  said Ms Latu-Jones, Director TYEE.

The Mafoa ‘A e Ata – Innovation Challenge Program is proudly brought to you by Tonga Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship Inc. (TYEE) in collaboration with our Partners - Breadfruit Consulting Port Villa, Vanuatu, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)’s Pacific Green Entrepreneurship Network, and supported by Solutions Consulting House in Nuku’alofa.

What is Mafoa 'A e Ata?

Amidst this global COVID-19 pandemic, TYEE together with collaborative partners Breadfruit Consulting, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), and Solutions Consulting House (SCH) believe that innovation is needed now more than ever!

The goal of the Mafoa ‘a e Ata – Youth Innovation Challenge program is to create,  support and facilitate innovative businesses that are sustainable and resilient in the Kingdom of Tonga.

The theme for the Program is ‘Innovating for the Unexpected: Resilience and Sustainability  in the face of Uncertainty’.

Mafoa ‘a e Ata is a pilot program dedicated to encouraging aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to learn about innovation, be equipped with meaningful tools to be an innovative entrepreneur and create innovative solutions as and in response to the uncertainty associated with Covid-19 and potential disasters and crises.


Why?

As a nation, we are striving for economic growth to improve citizens’ lives, create jobs and provide critical access to services like education, employment and entrepreneurship. We are also seeking ways to maximize and benefit from advances in green and technology.

One emerging area that these aims - promoting economic growth and harnessing innovation and green technology - bridge together in a very compelling way is the area of Entrepreneurship.

Tonga Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship Inc. (TYEE) is a non-government organization established in 2014 which provides youth services aimed at helping young school leavers aged 18 to 35 to gain meaningful employment or become successful entrepreneurs through skills development and mentorship support. 

In particular TYEE seeks to promote green entrepreneurship and innovation as a viable career path for aspiring young entrepreneurs.

We exist to foster a culture of youth innovative skills development, employment, entrepreneurship, and mentorship support programs as a crucial part of our TYEE culture.

The opportunities are limitless.

The richness of our land and sea, our geographic location, the social challenges that we face (that give us opportunities for enlightened economies), the huge energy-ball of our young people and workforce, as well as technological advancements , all foster a breeding ground for opportunities to underpin innovation, green entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment.

The Mafoa 'A e Ata Program will be rolling out in Tonga by TYEE for the first time as a 3-Phase Program to start on the Tuesday, 2nd November 2021. With only a few days before COB 26 there are many business leaders and entrepreneurs making a difference everyday already! 

TYEE is truly grateful to our collaborative Partners and Support Team; @Breadfruit Consulting, @GGGI Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network, and @Solutions Consulting House (SCH), and our Team of Staff.
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For more information about the Program:
It is with great privilege and pleasure to have been chosen as a local consultant for Global Green Growth Institute.
Lusia Latu-Jones, Tonga Green Entrepreneurs Consultant.
Email: lusia.latu@tyeetonga.org

We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Breadfruit Consulting and GGGI, supported by  Solutions Consulting House, Nuku’alofa to offer the Tongan version of the Pacific Greenpreneurs program with TYEE, “MAFOA ‘A E ATA – Youth Innovation Challenge”
 
Amidst this global COVID-19 pandemic, we believe that innovation is needed now more than ever!
The goal of the MAFOA ‘a e ATA – Youth Innovation Challenge program is to create, support and facilitate innovative businesses that are sustainable and resilient in the Kingdom of Tonga.

MAFOA ‘a e ATA Challenge provides a 3-Phase Challenge where selected participants will learn skills, work on their ideas, and launch a business in 2022. 

If you are up for the challenge, then this program is for you!

The Winning Business Ideas will receive incredible startup support package for their winning ideas!
 
APPLY NOW & JOIN US ON AN ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION JOURNEY.

Apply as an individual or a team of 2 or 3.
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This is a Final Call for Applications, apply online here!
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Apply online here -->> Online Application Form.
 

Eligibility: Youth and Women Entrepreneurs are encouraged to Apply!

• Ages 18  - 35 years old
• Tonga legal residents/citizens

 
Technology Requirements

• Have access to a laptop, notebook,  or Andriod or IOS mobile device with good internet connectivity.
• TYEE will provide the training facility during the program for the participants.

 
Applications will close on Friday, 22nd October 2021. For assistance please contact Lusia Latu-Jones on  email: lusia.latu@tyeetonga.org