The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) as the Private Sector Organization (PSO) managing BLP Programme in Port Moresby, recently held two in-house sessions aimed at enhancing business advisory services and raising awareness among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Papua New Guinea.
On Tuesday 1stJuly , representatives from more than 10 BLP approved Business Advisory Service Providers (BASPs) attended a half-day refresher session in Port Moresby.
These BASPs were;
- Nevielly Kavop – SNS Tech
- Gerard Habitein – SNS Tech
- Maxwell Maina – SNS Tech
- Henry Osi – Link Sustainable Eco Deal
- Jacinta Mimigari – Link Sustainable Eco Deal
- Keslyn Wabiyaui – Khay Consultancy Services
- Patricia Kwalahu – Beach Accounting Advisors Limited
- Charlotte Pa’asia – Beach Accounting Advisors Limited
- Bede Tomokita – Madawa’a Integrated Farming
- Pius Kuku – PK Business Advisors
- Kopi-Like Grammon – KLG & Co. Business Consultants
- Emmanuel Bogino – EB & Associates
- Asing Bogomos – Melton Consulting
- Kure Erick – Kina ZB
The event was led by Mr. Gabriel Iso, BLP’s Country Coordinator in PNG, and focused on the BLP’s subsidy process.
The session served not only as a refresher but also provided an opportunity for BASPs to reflect on and discuss the challenges they face in delivering business advisory services. The participants explored solutions and alternatives to overcome these hurdles, while also strengthening their professional networks.
Mr. Iso encouraged BASPs to use such sessions as a collaborative space to exchange insights and explore collective approaches to serving SMEs. Attendees called for similar sessions to be held regularly, emphasizing the value of shared dialogue in improving their support for local businesses.
The following day, Wednesday 2nd July, BLP hosted an awareness session targeting SMEs. Ten entrepreneurs participated in the session held from 10:30am to 12:00pm.
These entrepreneurs were;
- Pleasant Wear
- Nagaruu Sisters’ Cooperative Society
- Boutique
- Denani Designs
- Tye Dye Fabrics
- Jojoz Kolos – Online Business
- Thia’s DIY
- Hyang Limited
- Kwilah Limited
- SME Centre Limited
The event aimed to educate participants about the range of business support services offered by BLP and to guide interested SMEs through the process of undergoing Business Diagnostics.
All ten SMEs left the session with a clearer understanding of how BLP could assist their business development. While two participants indicated they were not yet ready for diagnostics due to incomplete business formalization, seven SMEs proceeded with the diagnostics during the session.
Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with BLP and gain access to vital resources that could support their growth.
These sessions mark a continued effort by CEFI to support the BLP programme to strengthen the capacity of business service providers and empower SMEs throughout PNG.
Captions:
Image 1: Business Advisory Service Providers who attended the refresher session to share insights, strengthen networks and enhance SME support.
Image 2: Local entrepreneurs who joined the SME awareness session, learning how BLP’s diagnostics and support services can drive their business growth.
