Nofotane Women Strengthen Business Skills 

Apia, Samoa – 25 May 2026 – Twenty women participating in the Samoa Victims Support Group (SVSG) Nofotane Project successfully completed a Financial Literacy and Marketing Training on 22 May 2026 that aimed at strengthening their knowledge and skills in managing small businesses and improving household income opportunities.

The training was made possible through the support of the British High Commission and was facilitated by respected local businesswoman, Afioga Liliolelagi Annette, who shared practical insights and real-life experiences in entrepreneurship, financial management, and business marketing.

The one-day training provided participants with valuable knowledge on budgeting, product pricing, profit and loss calculations, financial planning, and effective marketing strategies. Through interactive discussions and practical examples, participants examined common challenges faced by women operating informal businesses and learned how proper financial management can improve profitability and sustainability.

Some of the women attending the Financial Literacy and Marketing Training under the SVSG Nofotane Project.

A key highlight of the training was the realization among many participants that while they had been actively selling products such as vaisalo and other homemade goods to support their families, they had often overlooked important business costs such as ingredients, labour, transportation, and time. As a result, some women discovered that despite making sales, their businesses were not generating the profits they had assumed.

The open and supportive learning environment encouraged participants to share personal experiences and reflect on ways to improve their business practices. Discussions led by Liliolelagi helped participants understand the importance of valuing both their products and their labour when determining prices.

Participants reported increased confidence in managing their small businesses and expressed a greater willingness to apply the knowledge gained to strengthen income-generating activities. The training also fostered peer learning and collaboration, allowing women to exchange ideas and strategies for overcoming common business challenges.

SVSG President, Siliniu Lina Chang, acknowledged the importance of economic empowerment initiatives for women, particularly those rebuilding their lives and supporting their families through self-employment opportunities.

“Financial literacy is an essential life skill. By equipping women with practical knowledge on managing finances and running small businesses, we are helping to build confidence, independence, and long-term economic resilience for families and communities,” she said.

The training forms part of the ongoing Nofotane Project, which seeks to empower women through skills development, economic opportunities, and support services that contribute to their overall wellbeing and self-reliance.