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The chief executive of the Maori Women’s Development Incorporation says teaming up with Poutama Trust makes sense because both organisations service Maori small business start-ups.
The two organisations signed a collaboration agreement last night which could mean recipients of MWDI loans could also get top up investment and services from Poutama.
Teresa Tepania-Ashton says with a 25-year track record, her incorporation feels it understands the needs of Maori women and their whanau who want to start a business, even when the odds are against them.
"Our primary focus right now is providing services to Maori who have been declined by banks. We're really here to develop Maori to succeed. We ensure that businesses receive mentors, predominantly through Te Puni Kokiri's Maori business facilitation service. Everything we do is trying to make it more seamless, which is why a partnership with Poutama made a lot of sense," she says.
The Maori Women’s Development Incorporation currently has about $3 million to loan out to women.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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