PNG entrepreneurs discuss key business tips

MEDIA RELEASE

Due to popular demand, Papua New Guinean entrepreneurs came together recently for a second ‘Side Hustle to Sustainable Business’ Dialogue. It was also the first Network Dialogue for Pacific Connect in 2021.

The International Centre for Democratic Partnerships (ICDP) kicked off its 2021 activities with a diverse group of businesspeople from Lae and Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The participants came together for an ‘encore’ of the Women in Business ‘Side Hustle to Sustainable Business’ Dialogue held in December 2020.

Most of the participants were new to the Pacific Connect program and came from a diverse business backgrounds, with one common goal to open business opportunities through new networks and gaining tips from PNG business leaders on strategy and technology in business administration.

Eight entrepreneurs gathered in the Lae Chamber of Commerce at the pop-up Lae Pacific Connect Community Hub, organised by Julliane Terry. A contingent of predominantly female entrepreneurs met in Port Moresby under the leadership of POM-based Pacific Connect Coordinator, Nicole Jeune.

ICDP was delighted to welcome back Ginia Sialis; Founder of TAPIOCA DELIGHT, and Zha Agabe-Granfar; Founder and Executive Director, Verge as speakers. Their inspiring presentations focused on their journeys and both shared useful advice on starting up and growing their businesses. Participants also benefited from question-and-answer sessions with Ginia and Zha which helped generate lots of energy among the groups.

The presentations and Q&A sessions were recorded and will be provided to the participants and the wider Pacific Connect Community through its Pacific Women in Business group and Slack channels.

Tina Briggs, Program Manager of Pacific Connect, said that the day ”provided another great opportunity for entrepreneurs to meet and learn from their business peers. I think it is beneficial for start-ups and those in business to know they are not alone and there are those who are willing to share knowledge, hear their ideas and support their journey. ICDP will continue to run the popular Women in Business network series for this reason.”

Pacific Connect was launched by the Prime Minister of Australia in September 2017 to forge stronger, strategic-level relationships between Pacific and Australian leaders across the public, private and community sectors. ICDP has designed a program of activities to promote collaboration and business opportunities between Australia and the Pacific in applying digital technology to support sustainable development, with a focus on women and entrepreneurs.

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