Service Learning Field Study: Tongan Fishing Industry
Objective:
Assist Tuituiohu Havea in creating and implementing a business plan for
a Fresh Tuna Fishing Co. in Tonga, including securing financing from the
International Finance Corporation (world's largest multilateral source of
finance for private sector projects in developing countries) and other potential
investors.
Requirements:
MBA with strong background in finance or marketing
Desire to work in a service-learning environment
Interest in International experience/ exposure
3-6 hour/wk time commitment
Ability to work with little direction and external motivation
Facts:
Tuituiohu Havea has little business background and experience
Tongan government eager to grow local fishing industry (possible tax advantages)
IFC interested in helping with 75% of funding pending approval of business plan
Other 25% of funding needs to be secured through other means
Tuituiohu wants to start with 2 boats @ $.5M each and then begin expanding after 12-18 months
Some cash flow estimates have been completed
Details of Tongan Fishing Industry:
5 different companies with 16 total boats
Tongan fishing supplies fresh tuna (including Big eye, Albacore, and Mahi-Mahi) to Star-Kist Cannery in American Samoa and others in Fiji
Also ships fresh fish via air to Japan, LA, Seattle, etc.
Fishing done 60-80 miles from main Tongan port
Also some bottom fishing for Red Snapper
Year round fishing season
Benefits:
Great resume builder
Differentiate yourself from your peers
Tangible non-mission International experience
Managing and creating new ventures experience
Great leadership opportunity
Opportunity to provide real service to an LDS person desiring to start a meaningful business
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