Abus Na Kumu, a locally owned catering and food delivery business in Papua New Guinea, is on the cusp of launching its first restaurant in Port Moresby, thanks to support from the Business Link Pacific (BLP) Grant. Before receiving assistance, the business operated from a small home kitchen with limited resources. With funding accessed through BSP and guided mentorship, Abus Na Kumu invested in commercial equipment and a retail space. The business now boasts increased capacity, stronger financial systems, and growing community impact.
Read Richard’s full Q&A session with CEFI.
1. Can you briefly state the nature of your business
Abus Na Kumu is a locally owned catering and food delivery business based in Papua New Guinea. We specialize in providing high-quality, affordable, and culturally inspired meals for individuals, organizations, and events. Our services include daily lunch deliveries, event catering, and takeaway meals. We are currently preparing to open our first dine-in restaurant in Port Moresby by the end of July 2025.
2. What was the state of your business prior to the assistance of the BLP Business Grant
Prior to receiving assistance, we operated out of a home kitchen with very limited resources. While there was growing demand, we lacked the capital and infrastructure to scale up, expand our customer base, or meet larger catering requests.
3. In what ways did the BLP Business support Grant/Subsidy/Small Grant Facility/Concessional Loan assist your business to grow
The BLP support enabled us to access critical funding through BSP, which allowed us to invest in commercial kitchen equipment, secure a retail space, and prepare for the opening of our first restaurant. The mentorship and business training we received helped strengthen our planning, budgeting, and operational capabilities.
4. What are some of the positive outcomes following the assistance by BLP
– Completion of fit-out for our new restaurant space (scheduled to open end of July 2025) – Improved operational capacity and ability to service larger contracts – Increased community engagement and brand recognition – Strengthened financial systems and business planning – Positioned the business for sustainable growth and job creation
5. After receiving the BLP Service (Business support grant, Small Grant Facility, Subsidy, Concessional Loan) do you still face some challenges in your business operations
Yes, some challenges remain, such as: – High logistics and operational costs in sourcing and delivery – Limited access to reliable cold storage and transport – Cash flow management during periods of expansion – Need for continuous staff development and digital system integration
6. How is your business helping / benefiting ordinary Papua New Guineans
We prioritize hiring local talent, particularly youth and women, and provide them with training and employment. We also support local farmers by sourcing produce locally. Our catering and meal delivery services make affordable, nutritious food accessible to working-class Papua New Guineans.
7. How do you see your business in the next five (5) years from now?
We envision Abus Na Kumu growing into a household name in PNG’s food industry. In five years, we aim to have multiple restaurant outlets, a robust catering arm servicing corporate and community events, and a digital ordering and delivery platform. Our long-term goal is to continue creating employment opportunities, supporting local producers, and showcasing PNG cuisine nationally and regionally.
