Category: Impact Stories

Founded by Anne-Shirley Korave, QueenPads is a proud PNG social and green enterprise addressing menstrual challenges faced by women nationwide. With support from BLP, QueenPads has improved efficiency, boosted growth, and continues to promote sustainable menstrual health solutions.

Read Anne-Shirley’s full Q&A session with CEFI.

1. Can you briefly state the nature of your business?

QueenPads is a locally owned social and green enterprise established in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, in 2018. Its goal is to address the silent menstrual challenges faced by thousands of women across the country. With a dedicated team of full-time staff and volunteers, QueenPads focuses on the production and distribution of eco-friendly, reusable menstrual products, as well as education and advocacy programmes.

2. What was the state of your business prior to the assistance of the BLP Business Grant?

The business was incurring high operational costs. And since we need to engage professional  services, an additional cost, accounting , communication and tech, recently HR services, the subsidy came in very handy bearing half of the costs incurred for those services  at the initial stages.

3. In what ways did the BLP Business Support Grant/Subsidy/Small Grant Facility/Concessional Loan assist your business to grow?

BLP’s Business Subsidy support helped reduce some of those initial high costs. And as a result, these outrsourced services enhanced the overall business operations.

 

4. What are some of the positive outcomes following the assistance by BLP?

Not all professional business services are affordable for SMEs due to high service fees. For us, being able to access such services with the support of BLP was a significant achievement. Improved efficiency and enhanced business operations.

5. After receiving the BLP Service (Business Support Grant, Small Grant Facility, Subsidy, Concessional Loan), do you still face challenges in your business operations?

Yes. Challenges in business operations are ongoing, particularly within a tough economy such as Papua New Guinea’s.

6. How is your business helping/benefiting ordinary Papua New Guineans?

Our locally designed sanitary products are helping thousands of women in both rural and urban areas to save money and manage their menstrual health with confidence and dignity, while also protecting the environment from waste pollution. In addition, our education and advocacy programmes promote women’s health and well-being.

7. How do you see your business in the next five (5) years?

We aim to produce more eco-friendly and cost-effective sanitary product solutions, reaching thousands of women who need menstrual care in Papua New Guinea and the wider region. Together, we are working towards a #PeriodFriendlyPNG and a #PeriodFriendlyRegion. At QueenPads, we envision a healthy and sustainable society for years to come.

 

Ends.

Founded in 2018 by Anne-Shirley Korave, QueenPads is a proudly Papua New Guinean social and green enterprise based in Port Moresby.

The organization was established to address the silent but pressing menstrual challenges faced by thousands of women across the country. With a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, QueenPads focuses on producing and distributing eco-friendly, reusable menstrual products, alongside delivering education and advocacy programmes on menstrual health.

Before receiving assistance from the Business Link Pacific (BLP) Business Grant, QueenPads faced high operational costs, particularly for professional services such as accounting, communication, technology, and human resources. The BLP subsidy helped ease this financial burden by covering half of these expenses during the early stages of growth.

Anne-Shirley explained that BLP’s support significantly enhanced operational efficiency by enabling access to vital professional services that many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Papua New Guinea find unaffordable. As a result, QueenPads strengthened its management and overall business performance.

Despite ongoing challenges in a difficult economic climate, QueenPads continues to make a powerful impact. Its locally made sanitary products empower women in both rural and urban communities to manage their menstrual health confidently and sustainably.

Looking ahead, Anne-Shirley envisions expanding QueenPads’ reach across Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific, promoting a #PeriodFriendlyPNG and a #PeriodFriendlyRegion, while building a healthier and more sustainable future for all women.

Ends.

The PNG Blue Green Initiative (PNG BGI), led by Ms Gou Ava in Ukaukana village, Central Province, is making strides in agribusiness through its solar-powered free-range chicken layer farm. From fewer than 100 chickens before 2024, the farm has grown to over 350 birds, producing nearly 1,000 eggs weekly. With support from the Business Link Pacific (BLP) Small Grant Facility, Gou expanded her operations, improved infrastructure, and now supplies both local communities and Port Moresby markets. Beyond business, the initiative empowers village youth, supports churches, and promotes community farming.

Read Gou’s full Q&A session with CEFI.

 

1. Can you briefly state the nature of your business?

PNG Blue Green Initiative is a small to medium enterprise (SME) primarily owned by Ms Gou Ava. It operates in Ukaukana Village, Kairuku Hiri District, Central Province of Papua New Guinea. The main business operation is a chicken layer farm, with approximately 350 chickens, including 100 young birds around four months old. Weekly production is close to 1,000 eggs. About 30% of the eggs are sold to local villagers, while the balance is supplied to our main customer in Port Moresby, Tapioca Delight. We began on a small scale, but with the support of BLP, we were able to upgrade the farm in early 2024.
In addition, we grow yams on a small scale and sell block ice as part of the family business initiative. Our farm is free-range and operates entirely on solar power, with water sourced from a ground well.

2. What was the state of your business prior to the assistance of the BLP Business Grant?

Before receiving the BLP grant in early 2024, our farm had fewer than 100 chickens. We faced challenges with accessing markets, inadequate chicken shelter and limited opportunities for expansion. Our weekly production was low, and we were unable to meet the growing demand for eggs.

3. In what ways did the BLP Business Support Grant/Subsidy/Small Grant Facility/Concessional Loan assist your business to grow?

We applied for the BLP small grant in 2023 and received K10,000. The funds were used to construct a proper chicken shelter and purchase 300 young layer chicks from Zenag in Lae. Part of the grant was also allocated to initial feeding costs. Although we lost around 50 chickens to illness in the beginning, after five to six months, the birds started laying eggs, and production gradually increased. This opened up opportunities in both the local market and in Port Moresby.
With extra savings from sales, we ordered 100 new layers in April 2025, expanded farm fencing, and built a temporary shelter in the village. We currently generate monthly sales of between K4,000 and K4,600.

4. What are some of the positive outcomes following the assistance provided by BLP?

The BLP grant enabled us to build a sustainable chicken farm in the village, ensuring a steady supply of eggs for both local and urban markets. It has also created opportunities for young people in the village to participate in farm-related activities and has allowed us to support church and community initiatives. Beyond business growth, the grant has contributed to a number of social and community benefits.

 

5. After receiving the BLP service, do you still face challenges in your business operations?

Yes, with growing demand in the village, we still require financial support to expand the farm, including the construction of additional shelters, the purchase of new layers, and improved fencing.
We have also experienced theft of chickens by outsiders, which has led to additional expenses for improved fencing and the installation of solar lighting. At present, we are working on setting up a solar-powered security camera system.

6. How is your business helping or benefiting ordinary Papua New Guineans?

Being located outside Port Moresby, we are able to meet the egg requirements of local villagers and supply block ice, which is essential for local tilapia fishermen. We sell eggs at K1 per egg (K12 per dozen), which is considerably cheaper than prices in both the village and Port Moresby markets, where a dozen eggs typically costs K15–K16.
We also engage local youths in farm work, provide them with allowances and training, and support village church functions and community awareness programmes. Additionally, we have purchased 1,000 hybrid cocoa seeds, which we are currently nursing. We plan to distribute 20% of the seedlings to village households to encourage backyard farming as part of our community initiative.

7. How do you see your business in the next five years?

In the next five years, we aim to operate a fully functional chicken layer farm with around 2,500 layers, capable of meeting 100% of local demand while supplying surplus eggs to Port Moresby. We also plan to produce at least 50% of our own chicken feed from local produce. Our goal is to employ more than 12 permanent staff and achieve higher returns on investment.
In addition, with trial projects such as cocoa farming and vegetable production, we hope to involve more village youths in farm work, share knowledge, and encourage the wider community to participate in business activities.

 

 

In the quiet village of Ukaukana in Central Province, Ms Gou Ava is proving that small-scale farming can grow into a thriving enterprise with the right support.

Her business, PNG Blue Green Initiative, began modestly with fewer than 100 chickens and limited market access.

Today, thanks to a Business Link Pacific (BLP) grant, her farm houses around 350 chickens, producing nearly 1,000 eggs weekly.

The K10,000 grant in 2023 enabled the construction of proper shelters and the purchase of 300 young layer chicks. Though some losses occurred early on, production soon flourished. With new sales outlets opening both in local villages and Port Moresby, monthly revenues now reach K4,000–K4,600.

Beyond profits, the farm is deeply rooted in community life. Eggs are sold at a lower price than in urban markets, providing affordable protein for villagers.

Youths are engaged in farm work, gaining both skills and allowances, while the initiative also supports church functions and communal activities. Recently, Gou has ventured into cocoa, nursing 1,000 hybrid seedlings, with plans to share 20% of them among villagers.

Challenges remain, from security concerns to financing future expansion. Yet Gou’s vision is ambitious: a fully functional chicken farm with 2,500 layers, producing local feed, and employing a dozen permanent staff within five years.

She also aims to expand cocoa and vegetable farming, creating wider opportunities for her community.

Gou’s journey reflects resilience, innovation, and a commitment to support her local community.

Image Captions:

Image 1: A thriving poultry layer farm in Ukaukana Village, Central Province, is bringing new life and opportunities to the community.

Image 2: Chicken feed made from fresh, locally grown produce ensures healthier birds and supports village farmers.

Image 3: Every day, the farm gathers fresh eggs ready to be distributed for sale.

Image 4: Carefully packed and ready for sale, these eggs provide food security and income for families.

Image 5: Beyond poultry, the team is trialling hybrid cocoa seeds, exploring new ways to grow village livelihoods.

Image 6: Construction of new shelters is underway, expanding the farm to meet growing village demand.

Image 7: Young people are being engaged in farm work, creating skills, jobs, and hope for the future.

Image 8: From farming to faith, the project also supports church and community activities, keeping village life strong.

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.

 

 

Richard Mark, the founder of Abus Na Kumu, has shared a moving testimony on how his small food business has grown from operating by the roadside to preparing to launch a full-fledged restaurant  all made possible through the support of Business Link Pacific (BLP).

Richard, a grant recipient, said his journey began with a dream that seemed almost impossible without financial backing. “From the roadside to a restaurant, the dream is there. He added, “Big raps to Business Link Pacific, who not only believe in us  they trust us. And in any partnership, trust is one of the key ingredients.”

Thanks to funding facilitated by BLP and support from the people of New Zealand, Richard’s dream worth nearly K500, 000.00 is now becoming a reality. He highlighted the transformation the grant has brought, noting, “Without Business Link Pacific, we wouldn’t be able to finance our dream.”

He also spoke of how the programme helped him become “resilient and compliant”, noting the importance of building a strong business foundation. Through BLP, he was connected with Milton Accountants via Fairfax, who have continued to strengthen the financial health of his business.

Today, Abus Na Kumu caters to 50 government agencies and 20 private institutions. “We’re now one of the leading catering businesses in PNG,” Richard said proudly, “and our next goal is opening our restaurant by the end of July.”

He expressed deep gratitude to BLP and the people of New Zealand, encouraging other entrepreneurs to partner with the initiative: “Together, we can realize our dreams.”

Image Caption: Richard Mark

KLG & Co Business Consultants is an accounting and consultancy firm offering a wide range of services including cloud-based bookkeeping, tax planning, loan facilitation, and financial literacy training. With clients across various sectors, from agriculture to mining, KLG & Co supports businesses of all sizes. Founder Kopi Like-Grammon shared that support from Business Link Pacific (BLP) helped the firm build resilience post-COVID, enabling them to streamline operations and attract more SME clients through affordable service subsidies.

 

Read Kopi’s full Q&A session with CEFI.

 

1. Can you briefly state the nature of your business?

KLG & Co Business Consultants is an accounting and business consultancy firm.

We provide business advisory services in the following areas:

• Management Accounting
• Virtual Accounting
• Cloud Book Keeping using Quickbooks and Xero
• Financial Reporting
• Audit Assistance
• General Taxations Services – CIT, PIT, SWT, GST, COC
• Strategic Tax Planning
• Business Continuity Planning
• Loan Facilitation and Cashflow Projections
• Business Registrations with IPA/IRC/Bank Account Opening
• Capacity Building – Financial Literacy Training and Specific Accounting Training for Accounting, Finance, Tax and Other Statutory Compliance Requirements
• Financial Systems

We service a wide range of clients from MSMEs to Corporate entities in various industries such as agriculture, fisheries, construction, consultancy, education, retail, architectural and engineering, hospitality, legal, real estate and mining.

2. What was the state of your business prior to the assistance of the BLP Business Grant

I would say that we were quietly grinding. I believe our collaboration at BLP has given us credibility and increased confidence in our services.

3. In what ways did the BLP Business support Grant/Subsidy/Small Grant Facility/Concessional Loan assist your business to grow?

 

When we joined BLP as a BASP (Business Advisory Service Provider), it was at the back end of COVID when nothing much was happening. Thanks to BLP, we went through online webinars and training to build resilience. We learnt about Business Continuity Planning and how to adapt.  With BLPs subsidy scheme we have experienced an increase in SME clients as accounting fees became affordable.

4. What are some of the positive outcomes following the assistant by BLP?

We are able to streamline our services and focus on new service offerings such as automated accounting systems using cloud accounting software, loan facilitation and export market services.

Also, the referrals from the Business Link Pacific representatives, Gabriel, Adelle and Ensie have added to an increase of MSMEs to our client base.

 

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

Some of the challenges we have faced with are collating information from clients to attend to their accounting needs. Internet connectivity and constant blackouts are an issue when working on cloud based accounting software.

 

6. How is your business helping / benefiting ordinary Papua New Guineans?

 

It’s a ripple effect. One good turn leads to another. When we have assisted our clients set up their businesses or obtain a loan from the bank, it’s a win for everyone. When we improve the way SMEs operate and grow, the SMEs are the ones out there touching the lives of ordinary Papua New Guineans. They provide employment and roll out programs for underprivileged youths or women and farmers who experience a change in their livelihoods.

 

7. How do you see your business in the next five (5) years from now?

We see ourselves evolving from a traditional accounting firm to a modern business suite providing capacity building and embracing technology to create new service offerings. We aim to improve our online presence and hope to employ more staff and expand our services to other parts of the country and e

Kopi-Like Gammon, the owner of KLG & Co Business Consultants, shared how her firm has been playing a vital role in converting small informal businesses into formal, compliant enterprises. Speaking about her experience as a long-standing Business Link Pacific (BLP) advisor since 2019, Kopi described the journey as a worthy course challenging but deeply rewarding.

“We started from scratch, working with first-time business owners and informal vendors who lacked proper financial records,” Kopi said. She explained that many SMEs only realize the importance of compliance when seeking loans or government contracts. “That’s where we come in. No business is too small. Everyone with an idea is a businessperson,” she added.

KLG & Co supports businesses by helping them register with the IPA, obtain TINs, open bank accounts, and set up cloud-based accounting systems such as QuickBooks and Xero. “Your business is safer in the cloud. We trust technology to keep records secure,” she said.

Beyond start-ups, the firm also assists with monthly tax and GST compliance, income tax returns, and even de-registration for businesses that cease to operate. “We encompass the whole business cycle,” Kopi explained.

Working closely with partners like BLP, CEFI, and financial institutions such as Tisa Bank, KLG & Co bridges the gap between informal enterprise and formal opportunity. “We believe in getting things right. SMEs must be compliant to grow,” she emphasized.

Sharing a recent success story, Kopi spoke of a client who now operates a fuel distribution business after starting out as a small service station. “He had the energy and passion to go the extra mile. That’s the drive we want to inspire in every SME.”

“PNG has a brighter future. Today’s SMEs can become tomorrow’s corporate’s and we’re here to help make that happen,” she concluded.

Image Caption: Kopi-Like Grammon

Qweens Collection, led by Founder Benitta Napitalai, is a social enterprise championing handcrafted bilums made by women across Papua New Guinea. With the help of a BLP Business Support Grant, Qweens launched a professional website, boosting visibility, credibility, and sales while connecting rural weavers to global markets. Despite ongoing challenges like the lack of a retail space and limited cash flow, Qweens continues to empower women by creating sustainable livelihoods through traditional craft. With big plans ahead, including expansion and broader impact, the future looks bright.

 

Read Benitta’s full Q&A session with CEFI.

 

1. Can you briefly state the nature of your business

Qweens is a social enterprise that sells handcrafted bilums made by women in Papua New Guinea. The business connects rural weavers to national and international markets, with a mission to preserve the cultural art of bilum making while creating sustainable income opportunities for women.

 

2. What was the state of your business prior to the assistance of the BLP Business Grant

Prior to the assistance of the BLP Business Grant, Qweens operated on a small scale, primarily selling bilums through social media and pop-up markets. The business had limited resources for expansion, marketing, and product development, and operated from home with minimal infrastructure. Despite a strong mission to empower women weavers, growth was constrained by financial limitations.

 

3. In what ways did the BLP Business support Grant/Subsidy/Small Grant Facility/Concessional Loan assist your business to grow

The BLP Business Support Grant, which subsidized 50% of our website setup costs, played a significant role in helping Qweens grow. It enabled us to establish an online presence, making it easier for customers—both locally and internationally to access and purchase our bilums. The website also enhanced our brand’s visibility, allowed us to showcase our weavers’ stories, and provided a more professional and efficient platform for managing sales, ultimately expanding our market reach and supporting business growth.

 

4. What are some of the positive outcomes following the assistant by BLP

Some of the positive outcomes following the assistance by BLP include:

• Increased Visibility: Our professionally designed website has boosted the visibility of Qweens, attracting more interest from both local and international customers.
• Higher Sales Potential: With an online store, we’re now able to generate sales beyond just pop-up markets and social media.
• Improved Brand Credibility: Having a dedicated website has strengthened our brand image and made Qweens appear more established and trustworthy.
• Empowerment of More Weavers: The increased reach and potential for growth has allowed us to begin engaging more women weavers, helping to expand our social impact.
• Operational Efficiency: The website has streamlined our ordering and communication process, making it easier to manage customer inquiries and orders.

 

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, despite the support from the BLP Business Support Grant, we still face some challenges in our operations. These include:

• Lack of a Physical Retail Space: While our website has strengthened our online visibility, many customers in PNG especially Port Moresby, prefer to physically see and feel the bilums before making a purchase. Without a retail shop, we’re limited in how we can showcase our products locally and connect with walk-in customers.
• Marketing and Logistics: We are still building capacity in areas like digital marketing, shipping logistics for international orders, and managing customer expectations.
• Cash Flow Constraints: Operating capital is still limited, especially when it comes to scaling operations, purchasing materials in bulk, and compensating weavers fairly and promptly.
• Technology Skills Gap: There’s an ongoing need for upskilling in areas like website management, e-commerce tools, and customer service systems to fully leverage our online presence.

 

6. How is your business helping / benefiting ordinary Papua New Guineans

Qweens is helping and benefiting ordinary Papua New Guineans by creating income-generating opportunities for local women, especially rural weavers, through the sale of bilums. By providing a platform for their products, we support financial independence, preserve cultural traditions, and promote local craftsmanship. Additionally, the business raises awareness of PNG’s unique cultural identity while empowering women to support their families and communities through their skills.

 

7. How do you see your business in the next five (5) years from now?

In the next five years, we envision Qweens growing into a well-established brand both locally and internationally, with a physical retail shop, an expanded product line that complements bilums, and a strong online presence. We aim to partner with more weavers across PNG, increasing our social impact by providing consistent income and support to hundreds of women.

 

 

Benitta Napitalai, Founder of Qweens Collection, is on a mission to preserve the traditional skill of bilum-making while empowering women and men from rural communities to earn a livelihood. With the support of Business Link Pacific (BLP), her business has now grown from a grassroots initiative into a thriving e-commerce platform connecting Papua New Guinea’s cultural heritage with the global market.

Speaking at the BLP Advisory Meeting in Port Moresby, Ms Napitalai shared the inspiring journey of Qweens Collection, which officially launched in 2022. “We began as a small initiative to market bilums, primarily from Goroka and rural areas,” she said. “Over time, we connected local weavers to national and international markets.”
The turning point came in 2023, when Ms Napitalai partnered with SNS Technology to establish a website that would enhance Qweens Collection’s brand presence and market reach. Through this collaboration, she was introduced to the BLP programme, which provided funding and support for website development, including an integrated e-commerce system.

“BLP helped us go beyond just having a website,” she explained. “They helped us build a platform where customers can browse and purchase directly online. This has not only brought credibility to our brand but has also increased our customer base, especially from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.”

Ms Napitalai expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the support. “On behalf of Qweens and the community—mostly women from the Eastern Highlands and my home—we are very thankful. This opportunity has not only given us an online presence but has empowered more women.”

With global interest growing, Qweens Collection stands as a proud example of tradition, innovation, and impact driven by purpose and powered by partnership.

Image Caption: Benitta  Napitalai.