BSP and ABV celebrate 2024 cohort SME Businesses

BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) and the Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) are proud to celebrate the graduation of 19 PNG SME entrepreneurs from the YES (Your Enterprise Scheme) GROW program last night.

The graduates underwent an intensive one-week business development training in November last year, followed by six months of tailored coaching and business mentoring. The program is designed to strengthen business fundamentals, build leadership capacity, and support long-term business growth for SMEs across PNG.

Speaking at the graduation event, BSP Group CEO Mark Robinson said the initiative reflects BSP’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth in PNG and the Pacific.

“We are proud to champion local entrepreneurship and help grow resilient, capable businesses that contribute to stronger communities. These 19 SMEs represent the heart of PNG’s economy. Their stories of determination and growth inspire us all,” Mr Robinson said.

The BSP & ABV SME Development Program has been running for six years and is now active in BSP markets across Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, with plans to expand into Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands later this year. To date, 318 SME entrepreneurs have undergone training in PNG.

Felicia Barnabas of Saifa Electorical receive her certificate from ABV CEO Liz Mackinlay and BSP GCEO Mark Robinson.

ABV’s CEO Liz Mackinlay praised the commitment of the 2024 SME entrepreneurs’ and the collaboration between the two organisations. “This program is more than business training – it’s about empowering local leaders to transform their enterprises and impact the wider economy.

We’re proud to partner with BSP to deliver real, lasting change. So far – we have delivered 11 cycles of the YES GROW program in PNG, with 50% of participants being women-led businesses. YES GROW has supported business owners from across PNG with over 2,000 hours of volunteer’s time and expertise donated to the program to date.”

Participants in the program shared stories of how their businesses have improved operations, expanded services, and built resilience in the face of challenges.

The SME sector in PNG plays a critical role in job creation and economic diversification. Initiatives like the BSP & ABV partnership are central to building a sustainable future led by homegrown businesses.