Business owners in Vanuatu are turning great ideas into stronger, more resilient businesses through the newly launched YES GROW Vanuatu program.
Delivered by Australian Business Volunteers in partnership with BSP Financial Group Limited, the program is designed to give local business owners practical skills, tools and support to help their businesses grow and succeed.
The first workshops were held in Port Vila in July, bringing together 16 participants from 12 businesses. Over the course of the workshops, participants explored topics including business planning, managing finances, developing staff, improving systems and preparing for challenges such as natural disasters.
But YES GROW is about much more than workshops.
The program combines practical learning, one-on-one mentoring and tailored business tools to help business owners put their ideas into action and build stronger businesses for the future. Through the program, participants can:
For many small business owners, one of the most valuable parts of the program is knowing they are not doing it alone. Running a business can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging.
Through YES GROW, participants are paired with experienced business mentors who can listen, ask questions, share ideas and help work through challenges. Whether it's implementing new business processes, exploring a new opportunity or finding a way forward, having someone in your corner can help build confidence and turn ideas into action.
One of the mentors supporting the program is ABV Skilled Business Professional Allison Crunden. Allison is the General Manager at Architecture & Access and has spent many years helping organisations improve the way they work, support their staff and plan for the future.
Allison has also worked in Vanuatu before. In 2013 and 2014, she worked with a local government department, providing training, coaching and mentoring to help strengthen systems and build local capability.
During her time in Port Vila for YES GROW, Allison not only facilitated workshops but also visited participating businesses on site, taking the time to learn about their operations, challenges and goals. These visits helped her provide practical, tailored advice relevant to each business's unique circumstances.
Her support doesn't end when the workshops finish. After returning to Australia, Allison will continue working with participants through ongoing mentoring over the next six months. This ongoing relationship gives business owners someone they can turn to for guidance, encouragement and practical advice as they put their plans into action and work towards their goals.
Vanuatu is the fifth country to launch the YES GROW program, building on the success of earlier programs across the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea. The region recently celebrated more than 600 YES GROW graduates, highlighting the growing network of small business owners who are building confidence, strengthening their businesses and creating opportunities in their communities.
The launch of YES GROW Vanuatu reflects the strong partnership between BSP and ABV, united by a shared commitment to supporting local businesses and strengthening communities.
If you would like to join the ABV monthly newsletter, please sign up here: http://bit.ly/4fu1pMh
