Business Link Pacific

**A springboard to help an artist to her next phase of success** 🙌 🚀 When artist and interior decorator Tikosai Ledua took BLP’s Business Tool Kit ‘Health Check’, she wasn’t expecting it to change the way she thought about her business. But one insight from the toolkit stood out: her revenue stream was too narrow. That revelation became the turning point for her small enterprise, Ledua’s Art Collection – a family-based business based in Suva, Fiji, which specialises in upcycled home décor. “Sometimes we run our businesses like we know everything,” she explains. “But the BLP Toolkit makes you stop, take a breath, and see where you really are. That’s why I’d recommend it to any small business; it helps you reset and start again with a clearer focus.” Today, Ledua’s Art Collection is more than just a business. It is a movement that turns waste into art, creates livelihoods, and champions sustainability in Fiji. To find out more about Tikosai’s business and mission, read on here: https://lnkd.in/g36MgXPW Start your journey with BLP with our free online self-assessment tools. If you need advisor support, BLP can also connect you with local BLP-approved advisors to develop your business. 👇 👉As a first step, you can create an SME account on the BLP Portal to use any of the free business assessment tools, like the Business Health Check. 🔗https://lnkd.in/gSyuN9sT 👉 Do you prefer to meet in person? Contact one of our Pacific in-country local partners who can discuss your needs and help you develop a business Diagnostic. Contact the BLP representative in your country: 🔗https://lnkd.in/eh2j68i Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) DT Global New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade #Fiji #blp #blpnetwork #NZHighCommission #MFAT #BusinessLinkPacific #PacificMSMEs #SmallBusinessSupport

📢 ATTENTION Women-Led Businesses in Tonga! Here is a great news from our sister programme, SAFER Pacific. 👇 The MBf Bank Limited announced this week the launch of the MBf Women’s SME (WSME) Financing Scheme, a significant new financial solution specifically designed to bolster women-owned and women-led enterprises across the Kingdom of Tonga. MBf Bank's new WSME Financing Scheme, supported by Asian Development Bank (ADB), offers competitive financial products designed specifically for your growth: ✅ Eligibility: 51%+ women-owned/managed MSMEs. ✅Products: Structured Business Loans & flexible Overdraft Facilities. ✅Rates: Preferential, risk-based rates from 7.0% to 14.00% p.a. MBf Bank is committed to championing inclusive growth and empowering women entrepreneurs to drive long-term national prosperity. Since 2023, ADB’s SAFER Pacific has assisted MBf with introductory training on SME and women-led SME finance, covering vital topics such as the 4 profit drivers in SME finance and best practices for women-led SME financing, including key concepts on gender equality and gender-responsive lending, as well as approaches for assessing and supporting female-owned business clients. SAFER Pacific has also conducted a complete Gender Impact Assessment of the MBf Bank's operations to ensure inclusive and practical support. This collaboration is part of ADB SAFER Pacific's broader strategy to increase SME lending and strengthen the financial landscape for women entrepreneurs. Ready to grow? Contact MBf today! https://lnkd.in/eAkcC3my Photography: 1.Anton Rajapakse, General Manager| CEO delivering the key note 2.Balwyn Faotusia, ADB Senior Country Officer at the WSME launching event 3.MBf Team at the Event 4. Presentation of a Loan Term sheet to Mrs. Yesina Fifita of Fifita Cool Room

👏🙌🫶 In the Cook Islands, Rereao Vano, who leads Maternal Health & Wellness, is showing the way with her pioneering initiative to bring antenatal education, postnatal support, and midwifery services directly into homes and communities. Rereao is the country’s only independent midwife. Her work is not just clinical; it’s founded on heartfelt care for mothers, babies, and families, with support that honours cultural identity and ensures each woman feels respected, nurtured, and truly seen throughout her journey. Earlier this year, Rereao’s business received a grant through Business Link Pacific (BLP), unlocking new tools to expand her reach to mothers. With diagnostic equipment, a projector for mobile education, and the ability to operate independently, she is now able to perform onsite assessments of mums and babies, deliver engaging workshops, and offer clearer care pathways for families with unwell infants. “This grant allows me to mobilize education and reach more mothers,” says Rereao. “It’s about creating safe, inclusive spaces where women feel supported, informed, and empowered.” Maternal Health & Wellness is the only private sector provider of midwifery care in the Cook Islands, and her presence is not only supporting the health and wellbeing of mothers, babies and families, but weaving cultural identity into the everyday moments of motherhood. Find out more about Maternal Health & Wellness and the support provided by BLP in the Cook Islands: https://lnkd.in/gbxdA_hx For BLP advisory and financial support in the Cook Islands, contact the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce. Send an email to [email protected] to guide you through this face-to-face business assessment. As a Pacific-based SME, start your journey with BLP with our free online self-assessment tools. These tools help you diagnose areas for improvement in your business. BLP can then connect you with local BLP-approved advisors to develop your business. 👇 👉As a first step, you can create an SME account on the BLP Portal to use any of the free business assessment tools, like the Business Health Check. 🔗https://lnkd.in/gSyuN9sT 👉 Do you prefer to meet in person? Contact one of our Pacific in-country local partners who can discuss your needs and help you develop a business Diagnostic. Contact the BLP representative in your country: 🔗https://lnkd.in/eh2j68i DT Global Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade #CookIslands #BLP #blpnetwork #NZHighCommission #MFAT #BusinessLinkPacific #PacificMSMEs #SmallBusinessSupport

Business Link Pacific and our partner the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), have launched 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 to provide financial assistance to Port Vila-based micro and small enterprises affected by the 2024 earthquake, facilitating business recovery, rebuilding, and enhancing long-term resilience. Micro-sized businesses are eligible to apply for a grant up to NZD $3000 (approximately 215,760 VUV), and small-sized businesses are eligible for up to NZD $10,000 (approx. 719,200 VUV). Applications from women, youth, and underserved groups are strongly encouraged. 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 To be eligible to apply for the grant, a business must meet the following criteria: 1. Meet the requirements for the end use of the grant funds in the categories 2. Recovery/Resilience/Stabilization of operations/Growth or Inclusion 3. Be either a micro or small-sized business Micro-sized businesses: ✅Have fewer than 2 employees ✅Have been operating in Vanuatu for at least 12 months before the earthquake ✅Demonstrate valid 2024 & 2025 business licenses ✅Have a valid business bank account Small-sized businesses: ✅Have fewer than 15 employees ✅Have been operating in Vanuatu for at least 12 months prior to the earthquake ✅Demonstrate valid 2024 & 2025 business licenses ✅Registered and paying VAT & VNPF during 2024 and 2025 ✅Have a valid business bank account 4. The grant funding cannot be used for the repayment of loans or other debts, routine expenses not linked to recovery, or unapproved purchases outside the recovery plan. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝: To apply for this grant, businesses should first review the full grant criteria and application guidelines, which can be viewed via the BLP Portal – https://lnkd.in/gn8vBjr5 For more information contact Katrina Sali at [email protected] to discuss your application. Katrina can also be reached at 7790124 or 27543. Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry DT Global New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade #Vanuatu #blp #blpnetwork #NZHighCommission #MFAT #BusinessLinkPacific #PacificMSMEs #SmallBusinessSupport

🙌 Congratulations to Neel Sharma from Sharma's Accounting Services in Fiji, who joins the BLP Advisory Network with a BLP approved advisory competency in Accounting & Financial Management. As a BLP Advisor, Neel can offer eligible SMEs a subsidised service! Sharma’s Accounting Services offer a wide range of SME support including business Tax Returns, VAT Returns, payroll services, cashflows & budgeting, deceased estate tax returns, retirement planning, business & tax consulting, Visa application assistance, grant application assistance, small business specialist data entry, bookkeeping rental property tax returns, business registrations FNPF, PAYE lodgements tax compliance, Australian taxation compliant reporting. For expert advice contact Sharma Accounting Services via the BLP website: https://lnkd.in/gbvWADpv 👉 For information on the BLP-approved advisors in your Pacific country, go to the BLP portal: https://lnkd.in/gKCyeiG As an SME, start your journey with BLP with our free online self-assessment tools. These tools are designed to help small and medium-sized businesses diagnose areas for improvement. BLP can connect you with local BLP-approved advisors to help you develop your business. 👇 ✅ As a first step, you can create an SME account on the BLP Portal to use any of the free business assessment tools, like the Business Health Check. https://lnkd.in/gSyuN9sT ✅ Do you prefer to meet in person? Contact one of our Pacific in-country local partners who can discuss your needs and help you develop a business Diagnostic. Contact the BLP representative in your country: https://lnkd.in/eh2j68i Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) DT Global New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade #Fiji #blp #blpnetwork #NZHighCommission #MFAT #BusinessLinkPacific #PacificMSMEs #SmallBusinessSupport

A fledgling training business, helping people to expand their employment opportunities is taking off with BLP advisory and financial support. In Port Vila, Vanuatu, We Create School is a fashion and creative training centre. A BLP grant for equipment has led to more student capacity and a 50/50 BLP advisor subsidy provided access to expert digital advice at a more affordable cost. We Create School co-founder Vanessa Raquel Alvarado Camacho says “I was motivated by the need I saw in the community – many women and youth were eager to learn sewing and design but lacked access to structured training. I wanted to create a space where people could gain real skills and express their creativity.” The BLP grant allowed us to support more students, offer more diverse programs, and operate more efficiently. As a result, it has helped increase our capacity and boosted both our income and sustainability.” “The advisory support on our website and in our marketing has been very beneficial. People are now much more aware of the business. We’ve received a lot more enrolments and it streamlined the registration process.” To learn more about We Create School and the support they received from BLP, read on: https://lnkd.in/gK4KzC7b As an SME, start your journey with BLP with our free online self-assessment tools. These tools are designed to help you diagnose areas for improvement in your business. BLP can then connect you with local BLP-approved advisors to develop your business. 👇 ✅ As a first step, you can create an SME account on the BLP Portal to use any of the free business assessment tools, like the Business Health Check. ✅ Do you prefer to meet in person? Contact one of our Pacific in-country local partners who can discuss your needs and help you develop a business Diagnostic. Contact the BLP representative in your country: https://lnkd.in/eh2j68i Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry DT Global New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade #Vanuatu #blp #blpnetwork #NZHighCommission #MFAT

💡 Spotlight on our sister programme: SAFER Pacific! 🔦 SAFER Pacific is a technical assistance investment funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and delivered by DT Global. The programme focuses on enhancing climate resilience and fostering sustainable growth for MSMEs in the Pacific Islands through access to finance and business services. An example of this work is SAFER’s participation at the Institute of Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA) annual congress in Honiara last month. The meeting brought together accountants, policymakers, and industry leaders. The two-day event’s theme was "Shaping the Solomon Islands Future Economic & Financial Landscape – Relevance of the Accounting Profession." A key highlight was the session with Ms. Barbara Wilkinson, ADB SAFER Pacific's MSME specialist. As part of the congress, she discussed the critical topic of how the changing client environment affects firms and what value accountants can add to their clients. Her session highlighted the importance of being skilled in advisory services to navigate the future of the accounting profession. "We were proud to be part of this significant event that focused on strengthening the financial landscape for the future of the Solomon Islands," said Barbara. 👁️ Stay tuned for more information about SAFER Pacific’s work and upcoming opportunities for business owners. #SAFERPACIFIC #SolomonIslands #ADB #SMEs #Pacificislands    

🙌 Congratulations to Enid Westerlund from Tanu Advisors, who is now a BLP approved advisor in Marketing Strategy, having completed the BLP competency assessment in this discipline. As an BLP approved advisor, Enid can offer eligible SMEs a subsidised service!    Tanu Advisors is a team of professionals with expertise in business development, communication and project management. For expert advice, contact Enid via the BLP website: https://lnkd.in/edmbmjAy 👉 For information on the BLP-approved advisors in your Pacific country, go to the BLP portal: https://lnkd.in/gKCyeiG As an SME, start your journey with BLP with our free online self-assessment tools. These tools are designed to help small and medium-sized businesses diagnose areas for improvement. BLP can connect you with local BLP-approved advisors to help you develop your business. 👇 ✅ As a first step, you can create an SME account on the BLP Portal to use any of the free business assessment tools, like the Business Health Check.  https://lnkd.in/gSyuN9sT ✅ Do you prefer to meet in person? Contact one of our Pacific in-country local partners who can discuss your needs and help you develop a business Diagnostic. Contact the BLP representative in your country: https://lnkd.in/eh2j68i #Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industry DT Global New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade #Samoa #blp #blpnetwork #NZHighCommission #MFAT #BusinessLinkPacific #PacificMSMEs #SmallBusinessSupport 

💥 💚 Today, we are shining a spotlight on our sister programme SAFER Pacific. SAFER Pacific is a technical assistance investment funded by the ADB and delivered by DT-Global. SAFER Pacific is dedicated to enhancing climate resilience and fostering sustainable growth for MSMEs in the Pacific Islands. Recently, the SAFER Pacific team held a key consultation session in Tonga with Women-owned Small and Medium Enterprises from the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, as part of its work with the MBf Bank Limited in tonga to design and develop a new loan product for women-led businesses. The team consulted with seven female business owners, along with representatives from MTED, the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT), and MBf Bank Limited staff. As part of this initiative, the SAFER Pacific team delivered introductory training on SME and women-led SME finance, covering vital topics like: ✔️ The 4 Profit Drivers in SME finance. ✔️Best practices for Women-led SME financing, including key concepts on gender equality and gender-responsive lending. ✔️Approaches for assessing and supporting female-owned business clients. This collaboration is part of ADB SAFER Pacific's broader strategy to increase SME lending and strengthen the financial landscape for women entrepreneurs. SAFER Pacific is also conducting a complete Gender Impact Assessment of the MBf Bank's operations to ensure inclusive and practical support. 📢 Women entrepreneurs in Tonga, stay tuned for the coming updates on SAFER Pacific’s work in Tonga. DT Global Asian Development Bank (ADB) #SAFERPacific #ADB #Tonga #WSME #SMEFinance #FinancialInclusion #MBfbank

BLP is committed to supporting the development of rural businesses led by women, youth, people with disabilities and indigenous people. 💪 In collaboration with the Kiribati Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Nikunau Parish, BLP Business Service Manager Akoia Manikai recently visited the remote island of Nikunau to conduct a bookkeeping training course and raise awareness of BLP's advisory and financial services, aiming to support a group of local business owners. “Since rural businesses often lack direct access to advisory services in accounting and financial management, the bookkeeping training I provided during my visit gave business owners an important opportunity on the island to learn how to prepare their own financial statements—an essential step before applying for a loan,” she says. During the visit, Akoia provided practical advice on how to use the BLP diagnostic tools to identify opportunities for improvement in their businesses.  “I wish to thank the KCCI and the Nikunau Parish for funding the trip,” says Akoia. For more information on BLP diagnostic tools, go to: https://lnkd.in/gSyuN9sT or contact your local BLP Business Manager through our in-country business partners. Contact details by country: https://lnkd.in/eh2j68i For BLP support and information in Kiribati, contact:  Akoia Manikai at the @Kiribati Chamber of Commerce and Industry: https://lnkd.in/eh2j68i As a Pacific based SME, start your journey with BLP with our free online self-assessment tools. These tools help you diagnose areas for improvement in your business. BLP can then connect you with local BLP-approved advisors to develop your business. 👇 👉As a first step, you can create an SME account on the BLP Portal to use any of the free business assessment tools, like the Business Health Check. 🔗https://lnkd.in/gSyuN9sT 👉 Do you prefer to meet in person? Contact one of our Pacific in-country local partners who can discuss your needs and help you develop a business Diagnostic. Contact the BLP representative in your country: 🔗https://lnkd.in/eh2j68i Kiribati Chamber of Commerce and Industry DT Global New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade #Kiribati #blp #blpnetwork #NZHighCommission #MFAT #BusinessLinkPacific #PacificMSMEs #SmallBusinessSupport