Over six hundred Pacific businesses strengthened through ABV-BSP corporate partnership

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.