Small business owners face numerous challenges and local entrepreneurs in Lihir, New Ireland province, are no exception.
They need to research, find startup funding, maintain a budget, grow their presentation skills, become a master salesperson and find committed staff.
To help business owners through these stages, the Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) deliver the YES Bisnis program—a small business training initiative, equipping local entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.
Dr Bea Duffield has been a volunteer for ABV for 11 years and encouraged her husband, Gavin Blakely, to join ABV in 2019. They have delivered two YES training sessions together and are keen to continue creating positive impacts in the Pacific.
"Our workshop is interactive with activities and reflection sessions. Participants gain practical skills and actionable insights that they can immediately apply to their businesses," Gavin said, with Bea adding, "And we have a lot of fun too during the sessions!"
The program is funded by Newmont Corporation and delivered through the Apeketon Business Hub on Lihir.
