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When Emmanuel and Anna speak about their business, they don't talk about overnight success. They talk about persistence, learning and continually looking for ways to do things better.
It's an approach captured in the phrase that sits proudly at the heart of Yasa Trucking:
Together We Can and We Will.
That mindset has helped turn Yasa Trucking into a growing logistics business providing customs clearance, cargo transportation and freight services across Papua New Guinea. Today, the company supports businesses with everything from smaller shipments through to large equipment and container transport, helping keep goods moving where they need to go.
For Emmanuel and Anna, however, growth has always been about more than building a successful business. It's about creating something that lasts.
For Anna, that means building long-term financial stability while making a meaningful contribution to Papua New Guinea's economy.
"For me, financial stability means the long run. Leaving a lasting impression. Leaving an imprint of Yasa Trucking on this country and the economy of this country as a whole."
Emmanuel shares a similar vision for the future.
"We hope that Yasa will leave a lasting legacy and that we're able to not just grow our business for our kids, but to create generational opportunities for many Papua New Guineans who don't have that access or don't have the qualifications to have employment".
Last week, Emmanuel and Anna joined ABV and BSP Financial Group at the 2026 AFI Global Policy Forum in Port Moresby to share their business journey with an audience of policymakers, financial institutions and development organisations from around the world. The discussion focused on what it takes for small and medium-sized businesses to grow and how access to finance is most effective when combined with strong business capability and support networks.
For Emmanuel and Anna, the opportunity was about more than participating in a panel. They were excited to represent Yasa Trucking on a global stage and share the lessons, challenges and successes that have shaped their business over the past decade.
For Emmanuel and Anna, growth did not begin with the YES GROW program.
Yasa Trucking had already been operating for years and was continuing to expand its services and customer base. As the business grew, so did the challenges that come with growth. Managing finances, planning ahead, strengthening systems and maintaining day-to-day operations all became increasingly important.
Like many entrepreneurs, they found themselves asking not how to grow, but how to grow sustainably.
Through YES GROW, they were able to take a step back from the day-to-day demands of the business and focus on building stronger foundations for the future.
Another important part of the journey was the mentoring support provided through an ABV skilled business volunteer. As the business continued to grow, Emmanuel and Anna had access to an experienced mentor who helped them work through challenges and test ideas. The mentoring complemented the training and provided practical guidance that could be applied directly to the realities of running a growing company.
"We've learned a lot of skills and tools from the training with ABV and BSP, especially with cash flow management and managing our business."
"I think the other thing that YES GROW, in partnership with ABV, helped us with was being able to approach the bank with confidence, knowing what we learned through ABV."
Their story also reinforced one of the key themes of the forum: financial inclusion is about more than access to finance alone. Businesses are better placed to take advantage of opportunities when they have strong systems, good financial management, trusted networks and the confidence to plan for growth.
During the discussion, ABV Chief Partnership Officer David Faulmann encouraged policymakers and regulators to place the experiences of business owners at the centre of financial inclusion policy.
"Go and talk to SMEs in low and middle income countries. Hear the realities of running a small business on the ground. Understand firsthand the challenges they face, the aspirations they have, and then design policies from there that serve their interests."
David also highlighted the importance of partnerships in creating the conditions for businesses to succeed.
"So often we work in our own silos, with our standalone solutions. But when governments, the private sector, and civil society come together we can drive policy, create financial products and services, and support the development of enabling environments that move SMEs beyond financial inclusion towards financial health."
The panel itself reflected that collaborative approach, bringing together the perspectives of entrepreneurs, financial institutions and business development practitioners to explore how capability, connections and access to finance can work together to support sustainable business growth.
Head of Business Banking at BSP, Raymmond Logona said:
"The YES Grow Partnership has been valuable for our customers providing them with proper commercial acumen when conducting their business. The mentorship provided under Partnership assures our customers that BSP & ABV are here to support".
To date, YES GROW has supported more than 600 small and medium enterprises across Papua New Guinea, with 50% of participating businesses led by women.
Bank of South Pacific and Australian Business Volunteers are celebrating a significant milestone with their joint local business development program surpassing 200 graduates since its launch in March 2023.
Known as the Fiji THRIVE, the program served its latest cohort of 27 local entrepreneurs in Sigatoka where participants completed personalised mentoring, practical workshops and networking designed to strengthen their businesses. The group, included businesses operating in tourism, hospitality, retail, agribusiness, manufacturing, handicrafts, bakery operations and sawmilling.
Since launching in 2023, Fiji THRIVE has provided practical business capability development by combining one-on-one mentoring, interactive workshops and ongoing coaching to help entrepreneurs improve business planning, financial management, operational performance and long-term sustainability.
Our Skilled Business Professionals work alongside entrepreneurs to solve real business challenges using practical experience and tailored advice. Participants leave with stronger business skills, greater confidence and valuable networks that continue long after the workshops have finished.
The Skilled Business Professionals that assisted in this latest round include:
We extend a huge thank you to all of the Skilled Business Professional that have given their time in Fiji.
With the Sigatoka programme now complete, Fiji THRIVE resumes in Suva, where a new cohort of entrepreneurs will begin their business capability journey. Together, BSP and Australian Business Volunteers remain committed to expanding the programme's reach and equipping more Fijians with the skills, mentoring and confidence to build stronger businesses and contribute to Fiji's economic future.
BSP Relieving Country Head Maikash Ali further commented by adding:
"Together with our partner, Australian Business Volunteers, we are proud to support these resilient entrepreneurs who are solving real challenges, creating opportunities and driving economic activity in their communities. In this latest cohort, we are especially pleased that 17 women-owned businesses participated, reinforcing our shared commitment to building a more inclusive and vibrant business community.”
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Related articles:
https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/mentorship-program-reaches-200-businesses
The BSP-ABV partnership continues to go from strength to strength, as we support the roll out of BSP’s Business Bank creating more opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises through our co-designed capability development program, YES GROW.
Indeed, the energy in Mt Hagen, PNG was firing with another impactful YES GROW training cycle, this time strengthening the vibrant business community in the Highlands Region.
A successful training workshop cycle wrapped up in June, with strong engagement from participating local businesses. We are proud to be supporting a diverse range of enterprises, spanning sectors such as retail, accommodation, tourism, vehicle hire and other vital services.
The YES GROW Program is all about supporting and building on existing capability to:
During the last week of on-site activities, the program shifted gears, moving from the training room to worksites across Mt Hagen. The team hit the road for on-site business visits and are excited to learn more about how these dynamic businesses manage their daily operations.
These visits provided our skilled business volunteers, Chris Maddock and Jennifer Marshallsea, with key ground-level insights to deliver tailored and effective support. When our volunteers return home, the journey doesn’t stop, it evolves. They will continue to walk alongside these participating businesses, providing structured online mentoring and coaching for the next six months to ensure long-term business resilience and growth.
As always, the success of YES GROW comes down to fantastic teamwork between BSP and ABV staff and volunteers.
We wish our newest YES GROW businesses the very best for their next steps and look forward to welcoming them to the YES GROW Alumni Network later this year.
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.
News stories:
TVWAN - PNG SMEs urged to build capacity
The YES (Your Enterprise Scheme) GROW Business Development Program, delivered in partnership with BSP Financial Group Limited, is underway in Lae—bringing together 18 local businesses from sectors including agriculture, construction, electrical, transport and retail.
This cohort joins more than 600 small businesses across the Pacific Islands region that have taken part in YES GROW since the program began seven years ago, including over 400 in Papua New Guinea.
Co‑designed by ABV, the program begins with an intensive week of face‑to‑face business development training, followed by personalised coaching and mentoring that strengthens commercial capability, resilience and long‑term business vision.
In Lae, the group is highly engaged, with strong peer learning and practical discussions reflecting the diversity of industries and the many family‑run enterprises taking part.
We’ve also seen SMEs supporting their fellow SMEs in action, through workshop activities and ongoing engagement through online support groups moderated by BSP and ABV—an early example of the local networks the program helps to build.
A key takeaway from the training has been participants’ introduction to business model planning to help them clearly understand and strengthen how they create and deliver value.
Through hands‑on exercises, participants mapped out their own business models—in those models, they identified opportunities for growth, efficiency and long‑term sustainability.
Across 45 completed training rounds in PNG, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, YES GROW has been powered by over 3,000 volunteer hours from Australian skilled business volunteers with deep experience across finance, marketing, business strategy and management.
The program continues to champion inclusion, with 50% of all participants to date being women‑led businesses, a milestone both partners are committed to growing.
The Lae cohort is now moving into 1:1 coaching and business site visits, applying their learning in real time with ABV volunteer support.
Through YES GROW, BSP and ABV are working together to build the capability of local businesses—supporting more resilient, investment‑ready enterprises across PNG and the Pacific Islands.
A total of 604 small businesses across the Pacific Islands region, including 402 in Papua New Guinea, have now been supported through a seven-year partnership between BSP Financial Group Limited and Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) to strengthen MSMEs and local economies.
The milestone was marked on the evening of Wednesday, the 4th of Februrary, with the graduation of 19 Papua New Guinean entrepreneurs who successfully completed the six-month business development program, YES GROW.
The culturally responsive and targeted program co-designed by ABV begins with an intensive week of face-to-face business development training, followed by personalised coaching and mentoring designed to strengthen participants’ commercial capability, resilience and long-term business vision.
With 45 completed training rounds in over six countries, the program has been powered by over 2,500 volunteer hours by Australian skilled business volunteers with significant experience across finance, marketing, business strategy and management.
Speaking at the graduation in Port Moresby, BSP Group CEO Mark T Robinson said the program reflects BSP’s commitment to empowering local businesses and supporting sustainable economic growth.
“When we back businesses like these, we help create jobs, grow local industries and support the dreams of everyday Papua New Guineans to be their own boss. We are incredibly proud of what this cohort has achieved — not only for themselves, but for their families, their communities, and our country.”
Since its inception seven years ago, BSP and ABV have expanded the MSME business development program from Papua New Guinea into Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, with plans confirmed to launch in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu in 2026.
“This is more than a training initiative — it is a movement. It is about building capability, confidence, and community among Pacific entrepreneurs, and equipping them with the tools they need to scale, adapt, and thrive in a rapidly changing world,” Mr Robinson added.
Powered by ABV’s volunteers and its community development program team, BSP thanked the Australian international development agency for its commitment and the many Australian volunteers for their time, knowledge and passion for Pacific Island businesses.
Speaking at the graduation, ABV Chief Partnership Officer, David Faulmann highlighted that 50% of all program participants have been women-led businesses. “This is a remarkable achievement and a number that we want to see grow.”
“The Your Enterprise Scheme (YES) GROW program continues to demonstrate the power of determined local entrepreneurs, who are building stronger, more resilient businesses that are truly the engine room of the Pacific and the sustainability of local economies
“ABV is honoured to partner with BSP on a program that is unlocking opportunity, strengthening communities and proving what’s possible when skills, ambition and the right support come together.”
Looking ahead, BSP reaffirmed its commitment to the program and its partnership with ABV, with four YES GROW training cycles planned this year in Lae, Mt Hagen, and Buka, alongside the establishment of a Regional YES GROW Alumni Development Program across PNG and the Pacific Island region.
As featured in:
Post Courier Online, Gregory Wesley
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/local-sme-owners-praise-bsp-and-abv-for-knowledge-gained/
The National, PNG
https://www.thenational.com.pg/yes-grow-programme-backs-600-plus-smes/
Pacific Business Review Online
https://www.pacificbusinessreview.com/articles/2026/2/over-600-pacific-businesses-strengthened-by-bsp-abv-program
On Wednesday, 28 May, the Fiji Indigenous Business Council (FIBC) proudly opened its 2025 Symposium at the Novotel Convention Centre in Lami under the theme: "Networking: Creating & Sustaining Our Future in Business."
The event commenced with powerful and encouraging remarks by our chief guest Hon. Viliame Gavoka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation. This was followed by a presentation by Hon. Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development & Statistics.
Their participation underscored the importance of Indigenous-led economic growth, and their support for iTaukei and Rotuman business transformation was felt throughout the room.
Haroon Ali, Country Head of BSP Fiji, and Liz Mackinlay, CEO of ABV, were honoured to present on the success of the Fiji THRIVE program—a collaborative initiative designed to empower micro, small and medium-sized businesses with the tools, networks, and strategies needed to thrive in a modern, competitive economy. Their insights demonstrated how targeted support, and true partnership can transform local enterprise into engines of community growth.
Haroon Ali spoke to the sustained commitment of the Fiji THRIVE model, saying:
“This is not like a three-day workshop and we forget about what we have said in those three days. It's a six-months programme holding hands to make sure that every MSME customer that we put through this training has become successful.”
This hands-on, long-term approach reflects a genuine effort to not only educate, but to walk alongside micro and small business owners on their path to success.
Liz Mackinlay highlighted how filling fundamental knowledge gaps is unlocking the potential of local entrepreneurs.
“We've met so many wonderful business people with brilliant business ideas that were never taught cash management or inventory management or the value of HR or how do you market or even assess your market,” she said.
“So some of those fundamentals can be a game changer for these brilliant entrepreneurs that have got amazing ideas.”
This kind of practical, targeted support is the essence of what makes Fiji THRIVE impactful.
Key themes from their presentation included:
1. Building Capacity to Access Finance and Partnerships
Fiji THRIVE is equipping iTaukei entrepreneurs with the tools to create financially sound, bankable business plans that meet institutional standards. The program also focuses on ensuring fair and transparent participation in joint ventures, while strengthening business acumen and negotiation skills to protect iTaukei interests.
2. Innovating in Traditional Sectors: Farming, Fishing and Handicrafts
Traditional livelihoods remain the economic backbone of many communities. Fiji THRIVE is supporting value addition through better packaging, branding, and processing, while also fostering diversification into agritourism, eco-products, and sustainable enterprises—ensuring innovation respects culture while opening new income streams.
3. Unlocking Market Access
By improving product quality and presentation, Fiji THRIVE is helping Indigenous businesses meet the expectations of high-value markets. The initiative is also building strong linkages to the tourism sector, retail markets, and export buyers, and reinforcing local value chains to keep wealth within communities.
4. Future-Focused Growth: Digital, Sustainable, and Inclusive
The program supports digital adoption, including mobile banking, online marketing, and e-commerce tools. It also taps into Fiji’s Blue and Green economy potential through clean energy, eco-tourism, sustainable fisheries, and climate-smart practices—positioning Indigenous entrepreneurs at the forefront of regenerative business models.
5. Building Wealth and Equity through Inclusive Business
Fiji THRIVE is helping to create pathways for intergenerational wealth creation through land- and ocean-based enterprise and investment. It champions women as entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators and promotes inclusive business models that ensure success is widely shared, not concentrated.
BSP and ABV acknowledge and deeply respect the pivotal role the Fiji Indigenous Business Council plays in shaping the future of Indigenous enterprises in Fiji. The Council’s commitment to uniting, empowering, and transforming iTaukei and Rotuman businesses while serving as a voice to government, institutions, and the private sector is both visionary and essential. Its ambitious goal to help establish 5,000 successful iTaukei and Rotuman companies by 2034 is one that aligns closely with the values of inclusive, sustainable development that both BSP and ABV champion.
The energy, insights, and commitment displayed during the symposium show the future of Indigenous business in Fiji is bright, inclusive, and transformational.
Raised with an ethos of providing a helping hand to your neighbour, joining Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) in 2023 to volunteer with communities in Nauru was in some ways simply common sense for Sydney local, Vera Pajovic.
“Maxine Wiggs, a wonderful lady I used to work with in the travel industry reached out to me and said she was working with an organisation that I would love,” Vera says.
When a volunteer position came up to support ABV’s work with the Nauru Chamber of Commerce and Sustainable Tourism Working Group to support a range of locally-led private sector strengthening initiatives, Vera, who has a longstanding career in marketing in Australia’s tourism and travel industry, didn’t hesitate to apply.
“I have worked in the Pacific for many years with tourism boards and communities in Papua New Guinea when I was working for the Kokoda Track Foundation,” Vera adds. “I feel very connected to the Pacific, and the need to support our region; bringing everyone with us, and not leaving anyone behind.”
An avid traveller and founding director of sustainable tourism consultancy, EcoStory, Vera has come in contact with countless tourist businesses, but when it comes to sharing her expertise for inclusive economic development in Nauru, Vera says ABV’s involvement has been vital.
“It’s essential to work with an organisation who understands the community's needs and can navigate the local complexities that make the work meaningful and impactful,” Vera explains.
“It’s not ABV coming in, it’s really finding the local parties and uncovering opportunities to support micro and small businesses in the ways that they want.”
“The country is beginning to understand the benefits of what tourism could mean for people in Nauru, but it needs to be led by the community and foreign tourists need to meet the locals where they’re at.”
In her two years with ABV, Vera has been in Nauru twice, with a third volunteer visit on its way to help build the country’s tourism industry in a sustainable and empowering way for inclusive economic development.
“I was expecting the workshops (in business mentorship and coaching), but less so the strategic direction piece that I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to with local stakeholders and the Chamber.”
“Nauru’s described as the rough diamond of the Pacific and it has so much to offer,” Vera emphasises through her work on the Nauru Private Sector Development Roadmap, supported by the Australian High Commission in Nauru. “It is a great tourism destination for the adventure tourist.”
“There’s amazing hiking, and incredible opportunities for fishing and snorkelling. Nauruans are also proud of their culture; they’re generous and have so much to share.”
“It’s about finding partnerships on the island and working together to grow the industry.”
Not spoken about is the fact that with her own business, Vera is no doubt incredibly busy and continues to find time for this vocational work in a voluntary capacity.
“I’ve learnt so much from it as well. Along with training, I’ve learnt about a different culture and different ways of how things are done,” Vera says.
“It’s been humbling, and I’m so happy to be just a small piece of the puzzle.”
“Building local tourism is helping people to improve their livelihoods and strengthen their communities. If I can support just five people to build their businesses, I will be so happy!”
As part of ABV’s mission to build inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the region, we are proud to partner with City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) Foundation Inc. to mentor six women trailblazing local entrepreneurship in Papua New Guinea.
Along with developing successful women-led businesses, these entrepreneurs are offering innovative market solutions to preserve language, foster local art and culture, and market locally-made sustainable products for health and beauty.
The six month women entrepreneurship program provides participants in-person workshops, personalised mentorship, and one-on-one coaching from ABV’s skilled business volunteers to help forge lasting networks and business acceleration.
We are continually inspired by the vision and determination of these women, and hope that you are too.
Kazieh Taganny: Hair care tailored for Melanesian women
Frustrated by the lack of hair care tailored for Melanesian women, in 2022 PNG entrepreneur Kazieh Taganny created her own suite of products designed for PNG women to embrace their natural hair.
What started as a personal solution, quickly grew into a thriving business with Kazieh and her sister founding Niugini Naturals to sell their hair and scalp oil, rapid growth hair food, and whipped shea butter.
Within two years, the women-led business has expanded distribution to regions across PNG, and in Port Moresby salons its products have outperformed international brands. Kazieh is proud that all Niugini Naturals products are handmade and use organic ingredients to reduce reliance on chemical treatments.
Kazieh is also grateful to receive tailored business development guidance through the CPL Foundation Inc. and ABV Business Mentoring Program 2024, “As small business owners, this program is already helping us achieve goals we thought would take 10 years. It has shown us the power of community, networking, and mentorship.”
Deborah Salle: Championing PNG’s linguistic heritage
Based in Port Moresby, Deborah Salle identified the need for high-quality linguistic services for government and aid and development organisations working in PNG and its rich linguistic heritage.
With over 800 languages spoken across the country, Deborah founded PNG Language Services in 2020 and embarked on her journey as a quality language entrepreneur.
Now in its fifth year of operation, Deborah works alongside a network of experienced translators to offer translation, interpretation and tutoring in the country’s most prominent languages: Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu, Kuanua, and Enga.
Her clients include diplomats, global agencies, international language service providers, as well as community-based volunteers such as those from the Japan International Cooperation Agency who took Deborah’s course in Tok Pisin to deepen their work in the community.
Deborah says through her recent involvement in the CPL Foundation Inc. and ABV Business Mentoring Program 2024, PNG Language Services was able to develop a translation training program to develop local competency in English and Tok Pisin translation.
“My biggest takeaway was learning how to break down my goals into weekly tasks,” Deborah says. “I also learned to create business habits - something I’ll apply not just in my business but in my personal life too.”
Nadya Parascos: Spearheading cultural expression
As a corner-stone to Port Moresby’s creative scene, in 2022 Nadya Paracos took her passion for entertainment and performing arts to establish Dare2Create as a local enterprise to strengthen local art and culture.
Now in its third year of operation, the creative company delivers fresh and captivating entertainment experiences that are known to bring Port Moresby to life.
These productions have included a video mapping and dance show for PNG Air’s 35th Anniversary, alongside a performance with the Boera Village cultural and theatre group that told the legendary story of Edai Siabo and the first lagatoi.
With Dare2Create tasked with providing entertainment at CPL Foundation’s Pride of PNG Women Awards in 2024, Nadya is now one of six mentees in the CPL Foundation Inc. and ABV Business Mentoring Program.
Coinciding her responsibilities as a new mother, Nadya says the intensive mentorship has excelled her development. “The sessions have been greatly beneficial as there is real-time guidance and advice on different challenges in the goals set.”
Find out more about the PNG women entrepreneurs in the CPL Foundation and ABV Business Mentoring Program 2024.
Giving back through business with Kay Galamo
When Kay Galamo accepted the role of General Manager at Lamatlik Investment Limited in 2020, he never imagined the incredible impact he would make. As an experienced accountant from Port Moresby, Kay brought his expertise and passion to the clan-owned business on Lihir, determined to create locally-owned jobs and build financial security for the Lamatlik clan.
Lamatlik Investment Limited was established in 1995 as a car-hire company with the support of leading gold mining company Newmont. “While it was a small operation when I got involved, you could see the potential of this business,” Kay says. He drew on the expert support of the Apeketon Business Hub, co-designed with and funded by Newmont and delivered by Australian Business Volunteers, to take the business to new heights.
“Four years into the role, we now have 18 cars, employ 12 local people, own our office, we have opened a branch at Kavieng, and we’ve diversified our service from car-hire to logistics and providing the island’s first taxi service,” Kay says.
Kay achieved this growth not by taking loans or shortcuts but by working closely with the nine business directors and clan representatives. He focused on increasing cash flow with existing assets and introduced essential governance practices to ensure long-term success. “We now have Annual Meetings, reporting of cash-flow, business structures and a five-year plan to meet the growing demand. We’re also looking to expand to other regions. This is about maximising benefits for the clan and ensuring that when the mine closes we will have long term sustainability.”
One of the most significant milestones came when Kay and his team attended corporate governance training through the Apeketon Business Hub. This training helped the directors and clan representatives understand their responsibilities in running a business and where they could add the most value. “We saw a big difference in business culture after that.”
The results of Kay's hard work and dedication are remarkable. Within three years, all Lamatlik employees were on salaries, and the clan received K200,000 in dividends. He wants to see the clan thriving with access to education and the basic necessities of life.
With family and grandchildren on Lihir, Kay's passion for the island and its people is evident in everything he does. As he says, "Lihir is a small place, and we're all connected. When one clan does well, we all benefit." Through his work with Lamatlik Investment Limited, Kay Galamo is not only giving back to his community but also setting an inspiring example.
