ABV works in The Pacific developing the private sector through supporting small businesses. During times of global economic difficulty and in the face of the accelerated impacts of climate change on Pacific Island Nations, ABV's approach is more important than ever.
Pacific communities need more small businesses – they are vital to national development. ABV's tried and tested model is uniquely building people-to-people human capability through business skills.
How and Where We Work
Our unique model understands that Pacific island economies rely on grassroots entrepreneurs who build and sustain businesses that ultimately support the well-being of that community's families and locals.
YES PAPUA NEW GUINEA AND SAMOA
In partnership with BSP Financial Group Ltd, YES is targeted to build the business skills of existing and emerging business owners.
YES is an expertly developed business program delivering the fundamentals of business from business modelling and strategic planning to risk analysis, finance, people management, marketing and pricing strategies, customer service and occupational health and safety.
FIJI THRIVE
Micro, small and medium-sized businesses play a vital role in Fiji's economy by contributing to the overall wellbeing of the communities in which they operate.
Part of ABV's wider YES Program, In partnership with BSP Financial Group (Fiji), ABV provides long-term, personalised support to these businesses, which includes practical training, coaching and mentoring from ABV's volunteer network.
APEKETON BUSINESS HUB
The Apeketon Business Hub (ABH) is designed and delivered by Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) in partnership with Lihir Gold Limited (a subsidiary of Newmont Corporation).
The business hub provides a holistic service, driven by and for the Lihirian community, supporting inclusive and sustainable economic development at all levels from individual households through to businesses of all sizes as well as landholder organisational strengthening.
NAURU PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT ROADMAP
Part of our 4-year partnership with the Nauru Chamber of Commerce (NCC), ABV provides skilled business professionals to support a range of locally-led private sector strengthening initiatives. These include establishing the NCC Business Hub, a holistic service for small businesses providing practical training, coaching and mentoring. Our expert volunteers also provide strategic support to key priorities under the Roadmap.
Our Programs
Your Enterprise Scheme (YES)
Targeted to build the business skills of existing and emerging business owners, YES is an expertly developed business program delivering the fundamentals of business from business modelling and strategic planning to risk analysis, finance, people management, marketing and pricing strategies, customer service and occupational health and safety.
Better Business Governance (BBG) Program
Targeted at company owners and directors, BBG covers the principles of good corporate governance, organisational structures and the duties of Executives. BBG is designed to assist participants in becoming responsible and effective in their roles through one-on-one mentoring tailored to suit individual and business needs from startups to established organisations.
Family Money Management Program (FMMP)
ABV has designed this program in response to an identified need for families to strengthen skills in managing household cash-flows, planning and saving for the future, making decisions about financial products and seeking advice about money and finance.
In Labasa Town, nestled between two bustling supermarkets, stands Tagimoucia Restaurant, a testament to family dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. Founded by Vilai Basalusalu, a retiree with a background in civil service, this restaurant has quickly become a cherished local eatery. Vilai’s journey began long before the restaurant’s doors opened in 2022. Originally from Somosomo in […]
At 51, Iliana Ikaniliwalala is not just a name in the bustling markets of Labasa; she is a story of resilience, determination and triumph over adversity. Originally from Waitoga, Nairai, Lomaiviti, Iliana’s journey into entrepreneurship began unexpectedly during a visit to Labasa. What started as a temporary endeavour to sell fish became a calling, one […]
ABV CEO Liz Mackinlay is thrilled to be in Fiji, meeting with Senior Program Manager Ravi Chand, BSP Fiji GM Retail Ravindra Singh, and BSP Head of SME Rohit Sharma. BSP Financial Group Limited and Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) partner to support small and medium businesses, which are the heart of Fiji's economy. The Fiji […]
Skilled Business Professionals, Kaylene Benson and Cathy Corderoy are in Labasa, Vanua Levu volunteering their time to deliver Fiji THRIVE this month. Kaylene says “Reflecting on my experience in Fiji, I continue to be amazed at the many ways people are connected and the importance placed on looking after each other. Everyone seems very eager […]
Happy Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Day! Today, we celebrate the businesses that are the backbone of our economies. As mentors to small businesses, Australian Business Volunteers have a front-row seat to their challenges. One participant in our program Gulshad Begum, entered the fiercely competitive world of Facebook selling and carved a niche for herself […]
The night before virtually interviewing ABV mentor David Campbell and mentee Moana Korikalo, a 6.5-scale earthquake hit Vanuatu. Despite being woken up by her home shaking in the night, Moana showed up on time to chat with us with a positive attitude. "That's who Moana is; she always follows through on her commitments," David remarked. […]
ABV volunteers Matt Stone and Liane Arno went to Mt. Hagen, Papua New Guinea, to present the YES Grow program, which helps small businesses owners develop essential skills for sustainable growth. Matt and Liane have been volunteering across the Pacific with ABV since 2006. The YES Grow program has also been delivered in Port Moresby, […]
In celebration of National Families Week, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our participants and partners for their contribution towards the success of Apeketon Business Hub. This year's theme, "Embracing Diversity, Strengthening Families", resonates deeply with our mission. We are excited to share some updates from the Family Money Management sessions, which […]
