Creating Jobs, Feeding a Community

Meet Lizza Magnolina Chan Sau, Samoa

Lizza Magnolina Chan Sau from Faleasiu is a strong example of a young Samoan woman using opportunity, hard work, and determination to build a successful business and support not only her family, but also her community. She is a proud member of Faleasiu Fiafia Centre, and her journey with South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) shows the real impact microfinance can have in empowering women to become independent and financially stable.

Lizza joined SPBD Microfinance (Samoa) Ltd in December 2021. Since then, she has taken a total of four loans, steadily growing her business with each cycle. Her current loan has helped her make major improvements to her restaurant business.

With the support of SPBD, Lizza built a dedicated building in front of her home, where she now runs her restaurant from Monday to Saturday. Her business has grown quickly, and today she proudly employs seven staff members, creating jobs and helping other families earn an income.

In addition to daily restaurant sales, Lizza also provides catering services to the wider community for many important events such as family fa’alavelave, funerals, weddings, and church functions. Her catering services have become well known, and in October 2025, she was also selected to cater for the SPBD Microfinance Network 25th Anniversary Celebration.

At only 30 years old, Lizza is married and a mother of three lovely children. She works hard every day to support her children, while also helping provide for her wider household (her parents and siblings live with her). Her business income has become an important source of support for everyone in the family.

“Thank you to SPBD for giving me an opportunity that any other bank can’t provide for us unemployed women of Samoa. With SPBD loans, I am able to run my business and be independent,” said Lizza.

Lizza describes SPBD as a true supporter of women in Samoa, saying SPBD is “like the Good Samaritan who came from nowhere and helped us.” Her story reflects SPBD’s mission of empowering women, building businesses, and creating stronger communities across Samoa.