Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – 6 November 2024
The City Pharmacy Ltd (CPL) Foundation Inc. is excited to announce its strategic partnership with Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) to introduce its pilot programme which aims at delivering a comprehensive Business Mentoring Program tailored to support women-led businesses in Papua New Guinea. This initiative is part of CPL Foundation’s ongoing commitment to empowering women through education, healthcare, and economic development.
The Business Mentoring Program, set to run from November 2024 to April 2025, is designed to enhance the business acumen, leadership skills, and operational strategies of women entrepreneurs. Through a blend of in-person workshops and online mentoring, the program will provide personalised guidance, practical tools, and the opportunity to build peer networks that foster business growth and sustainability.
Liz Mackinlay, ABV CEO, emphasized the significance of this partnership:
"The Business Mentoring Program represents an essential focus for ABV—supporting women entrepreneurs in PNG through our ABV Business mentors. We are proud to help bring this vision to life with CPL Foundation to further the strengths and ambitions of women business leaders across PNG."
Key features of the program include:
ABV brings over 40 years of experience in delivering business support programs across the Asia-Pacific region, aimed at strengthening communities through business. Their expertise in capacity building, combined with CPL Foundation’s mission to empower women and girls, promises to create lasting change for participating businesses.
CPL Foundation Inc., established in 2014, has been at the forefront of empowering communities in Papua New Guinea through various initiatives. This partnership with ABV aligns with its focus on fostering economic empowerment for women, ensuring that participants are equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed in a competitive business environment.
“We are proud to partner with ABV on this exciting initiative,” said Deborah Alois, CPL Foundation Manager. “This program will not only provide women-led businesses with essential tools and mentoring but will also contribute to the broader development of PNG’s economy by fostering innovation and leadership among women entrepreneurs.”
The program officially launched on Monday 4 November 2024, with participants engaging in an initial in-person 4 days workshop followed by continuous support through online mentoring and group sessions. This initiative will further strengthen the role of women in PNG’s economic landscape, promoting a more inclusive and dynamic business environment.
About CPL Foundation Inc
CPL Foundation Inc. is the philanthropic arm of CPL Group, established to empower women and girls through education, healthcare, and economic initiatives. Since 2014, the Foundation has supported various communities and organizations across PNG. Empowering communities through accessible education and literacy, comprehensive healthcare services, and economic opportunities that drive sustainable growth, CPL Foundation remains committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of Papua New Guineans.
About ABV
"Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) is a not-for-profit international development agency bringing over 40 years’ experience across the Asia Pacific region in community transformation, with a focus on sustainable and inclusive economic growth, through place-based planning and locally led development. Our team of international development specialists and associates, in collaboration with our 300+ volunteer network of skilled volunteers, work collaboratively with our community and private sector partners to deliver impactful, practical and sustainable outcomes.
