Pacific Business Strengthening
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. 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.
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.
Our Offerings
YES Grow Papua New Guinea & 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 network of experienced business professionals who volunteer their time.
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, including sustainable tourism and small-scale fishing sector development
Recent Updates and Stories
Stay up-to-date with the latest events and news
30 April 2024
Volunteer Susan Goldie's Story: Supporting Small Businesses in Nauru
"Storytelling is an incredibly powerful tool. We all, as humans, learn through storytelling," - Susan Goldie. Susan Goldie has dedicated her life to humanitarian work, including mental health education, better end-of-life care, poverty reduction, and economic empowerment. Susan joined us as a volunteer in November 2023 and has started working with our Nauru team on capacity building of local […]
19 April 2024
ABV and BSP team up to grow small businesses in Samoa
ABV, in partnership with BSP Samoa, has launched a program to support Micro, Small, and Medium businesses in Samoa. The YES Grow program offers a three-week workshop series with six months of ongoing online coaching and mentoring provided by ABV's experienced Skilled Business Volunteers. The program aims to help businesses in Samoa succeed by providing mentorship, access […]
16 April 2024
Congratulations Graduates of the Family Money Management Program
Big Congratulations to the February graduates of our Family Money Management program! Run by dedicated local staff at the Apeketon Business Hub in Lihir, Papua New Guinea, this initiative equips families with essential tools for financial planning, budgeting, and saving. It's truly inspiring to witness participants taking concrete steps towards their savings goals, paving the […]
27 February 2024
Media Release: Conversations across the Pacific Event: Celebrating Women Leaders in Business
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Celebrate International Women's Day with ABV! Overview: Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) is hosting 'Conversations across the Pacific,' an online event for International Women's Day. It will be an inspiring afternoon dedicated to recognising the success of women leaders in the Pacific and the profound impact of women supporting each other. ABV's […]
26 February 2024
Empowering Entrepreneurs in Lae: Success Stories from the YES Grow Program!
In February, dedicated volunteers Zarah and Philip collaborated to lead the YES Grow program in Lae, Papua New Guinea. Lae is the capital of Morobe Province and is the second-largest city in Papua New Guinea. It is located near the branching of the Markham River and at the start of the Highlands Highway, making it […]
23 February 2024
From Face Masks to Fashion: Kumkee Print and Designs
During the pandemic, a Lautoka-based family had a unique home business idea—selling fashion-forward facemasks. In 2021, as Fijians returned to work, husband and wife team George and Olga Kumkee saw a rising demand for reusable face masks. Seizing this moment, George used his graphic design skills to transform protective wear into a canvas for personal […]
24 December 2023
Holiday time in Nauru - Community Post
The island nation of Nauru is nestled in the centre of coral cliffs surrounded by rock phosphates—striking peaks that emerge from the clear water. With this backdrop, Christmas celebrations vibrantly decorate and complement the beautiful landscape. In December, you will see brightly coloured lights dotted around the island, illuminating households and hanging among the pandanus […]
