The annual government grants totalling $250,000 tala was distributed this morning for Private Sector Organisations (PSOs) through the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour.
The Minister of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Hon. Leatinu’u Wayne So’oialo, presented the 10 eligible PSOs with their approved Grants for the FY2022/2023.
He encouraged continuous partnership between the PSOs and the Government whilst acknowledging the contribution of the PSOs to the development of the Private Sector and Samoa’s economy by way of their commercial activities that stimulate employment creation and economic prosperity.
The grants have essentially remained the same over the years with Samoa Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc as the National Private Sector Organisation receiving $50,000 tala.
Women In Business Development Inc who work with over two thousand families on sustainable income generation and organic certification received $45,000 tala.
Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (SAME) received $40,000 while the Samoa Hotels & Hospitality Association Inc were given $35,000 tala.
The Business of Salafai Association Inc. $25,000 and Samoa Federated Farmers Inc. – $20,000 tala.
The more recently established Samoa Information and Technology Association – SITA received $20,000 tala.
Samoa Mamanu Designs & Manufacturers Association and the Tautai Samoa Association each received $5,000 tala.
A new organisation, the Asosi mo Atina’e Laau Toto Savaii also received $5,000 tala.
Under the Workers Association Grant, five registered associations each received $5,000 tala.
Samoa Workers Congress, Public Servants Association, Samoa Nurses Association, Samoa Seafarers and Maritime Association and the Samoa Medical Association each received $5,000 tala.
“The Government of Samoa continues to reaffirm its commitment on an annual basis to strengthening its Public-Private Partnership through supporting the ongoing development of the Private Sector,” reads a press statement.
“This commitment is presented in the form of a Grant to eligible PSOs to assist with their administrative operations.”
The eligible organisations are those with commercial affiliations and are registered with MCIL under the Incorporated Societies Ordinance 1952.
There are set criteria and a number of factors to be considered in determining the amount of grant to be awarded to each organisation.
PSO’s must have a list of registered members; submission of strategic plan, annual reports and audited financial statements.
They must also have an active advocacy role; and submitquestions progress of any development projects being undertaken by the PSO.
