The Samoa Business Network is branching out to unite Pacific businesses in New Zealand and across the region.
Photo: Supplied
In September they will launch the Tonga Business Network with a goal to establish other Pacific business networks as well.
Their work follows an economic strategy put in place by the New Zealand government to grow Pacific businesses.
The Pacific economic strategy 6 year plan launched in 2015 aims to see more sustainable Pacific-owned businesses in the country and increase their access to mentors and business networks.
SBN's Co-founder Laura Keil-Hall (who had worked for the Ministry of Pacific Peoples) said the goal is to create a wider Pacific Business Network within New Zealand.
Samoan business woman Nora Swann said she hoped other Pasifika businesses will feel encouraged to join the networks.
Nora Swann on the left and Laura Keil-Hall on the right. Photo: Supplied
"I think collaboration is the key. So if we have more people jumping on that bandwagon, it strengthens it and it gives it more value. So if we can move together as a group and give our people more opportunities, we're definitely a force to reckon with."
A report looking into New Zealand's Pacific economic trends in 2016 identified registered Pasifika businesses in the country.
Ms Keil Hall said she hopes that being a part of a Pacific network will help encourage other Pasifika to get into business.
First Samoa Business Awards to be launched in NZ
Meanwhile, top New Zealand Samoan entrepreneurs will be honoured at a new awards ceremony in September.
The Samoa Business Awards are among efforts to support Pasifika economic development and are being launched by the Samoa Business Network in New Zealand.
Samoans make up almost half of New Zealand's Pacific population.
A co-founder of the network Laura Keil-Hall said the awards will acknowledge the contribution Samoan business people make towards the Pasifika community and its economic development.
"I think it'll be huge for our Samoan business community. Again it's never been done. You know, we do have a Pacific community but half of the Pacific population are Samoan. I think Samoans have a standing in actually acknowledging that."
Pacific stall at the Pasefika Business Expo last year. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Indira Stewart
