Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) was proud to participate in the 41st Australia–Papua New Guinea Business Forum, held in Brisbane—an important platform for advancing inclusive growth across the region.
ABV representatives David Faulmann and CEO Liz Mackinlay joined leaders from government, finance and industry to explore how partnerships can unlock opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Pacific Islands region . At the forum, they met with the Hon. Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, to discuss the tangible impact of ABV’s programs in building SME capability.
Advancing PNG’s SME Economy
A highlight of the forum was the panel discussion “Building PNG’s SME Economy”, which brought together a number of voices. ABV CEO Liz Mackinlay was joined by ABV volunteer Zarah. SME founder Merilyn Moss Henry, and BSP Financial Group Limited’s Head of Business Banking, Raymond Logona.
The panel shared practical insights into how partnerships between ABV and BSP are enabling local businesses to grow, innovate and build resilience. Together, ABV and BSP have supported more than 400 SMEs in PNG—part of a broader cohort of over 600 businesses across the South Pacific that have strengthened their capability through the YES GROW program.
A Partnership Driving Impact
BSP Financial Group continues to invest in building a strong SME sector, recognising its critical role in economic development. As Mr Logona noted:
“This includes upgrading our technology and digital channels and creating world-class products and services to support the growth of small to medium-sized enterprises.
We are also investing through our partnership with Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) to deliver the YES GROW program to build capability among our SME customers so they can use new digital tools, manage cash flow and make better use of finance to be ready for growth opportunities.”
The YES GROW program is currently being delivered to SMEs across PNG, including a recent workshop in Lae bringing together 18 local businesses from agriculture, construction, electrical, transport and retail sectors. These businesses join a growing network of entrepreneurs equipped with the skills and confidence to adapt and succeed in a rapidly evolving market.
“This group joins more than 600 small businesses across PNG and the South Pacific that have strengthened their capability through the program’s intensive training and personalised coaching,” Mr Logona said.
Building Capability for Long-Term Growth
Since its inception in 2018, the partnership between BSP and ABV has focused on delivering practical, tailored support to SMEs. The YES GROW model—co-designed by ABV and BSP—responds directly to the realities of the PNG market, including foreign exchange pressures, rising costs and infrastructure constraints.
Through intensive training and one-on-one mentoring, participants develop a deeper understanding of financial management, operations and business planning. This enables them to better navigate challenges, improve performance and position themselves for sustainable growth.
“These skills are vital for many businesses to take advantage of the opportunities that are being created by PNG’s continued economic growth and the coming super-cycle of resource and infrastructure projects,” Mr Logona said.
Looking Ahead
ABV CEO Liz Mackinlay highlighted the strength of the partnership and its impact on communities:
“ABV is proud to be partnering with BSP to help SMEs transform their enterprises for sustainable growth, positively impacting the wider economy and supporting their families and communities into the future. We look forward to bringing the YES GROW Program to Bougainville later this year.”
As PNG continues to grow and diversify, strengthening SME capability remains essential. ABV’s work—alongside partners like BSP—demonstrates the value of collaboration in building resilient businesses, creating jobs and delivering lasting development outcomes across the region.
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