Linda Voyorite knows firsthand the challenges Papua New Guineans face when trying to start a small business. As a Business Development Officer with the Eastern Highlands Provincial Government, she travelled across the province delivering small business awareness programs, meeting people with big ideas but limited access to structured training and support.
In 2016, determined to fill that gap, Linda left her job and set up Jabez Business Services in Goroka. For almost a decade, Jabez has delivered financial literacy programs, business startup training, and ongoing mentoring to micro and small entrepreneurs in the Eastern Highlands.
Jabez is one of five business service hubs selected to partner with Strongim Hub, Strongim Bisnis — an initiative supported by Australia to strengthen PNG’s micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) ecosystem. The program aims to help MSMEs access high quality, reliable business information and support from local service hubs like Jabez.
The other hubs partnering with Strongim Hub, Strongim Bisnis are PNG No. 1 SME Limited in Port Moresby, Lae SME Incubator Hub in Lae, Cottage Livelihood Consultancy in Goroka, and the PNG Agro SME Incorporation Limited in Enga.
All five hubs are now receiving tailored coaching and mentoring to further strengthen their operations. They are also part of a national hub network, creating new opportunities for knowledge sharing and skills development across PNG.
The five hub owners gathered in Port Moresby last week for their first in-person meeting. hosted by Strongim Hub, Strongim Bisnis. The event provided an opportunity for hub owners to present their business plans, strengthen peer connections, engage with key stakeholders, and begin planning for long term sustainability.
“I am overwhelmed with excitement for this opportunity. I cannot express my gratitude enough, and I cannot comprehend the magnitude of what lies ahead,” said Linda.
Delivered through Australia PNG Economic Partnershipwith support from the PNG Women’s Business Resource Centre, Strongim Hub, Strongim Bisnis forms part of Australia’s ongoing support to PNG’s growing MSME sector. The Australian Government remains committed to strengthening PNG’s entrepreneurs and supporting the MSME sector as a cornerstone of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
ENDS
Linda Voyorite (centre) together and her sister Binel Voyorite (left) are joined by Vicky Korarome (right), Ralmaylyn Kumbou (top left) and Freda Korarome (top right). The women represent three of the MSME hubs that met for the first time at last week’s Strongim Hub, Strongim Bisnis meeting in Port Moresby.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100