[Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 6th December] – As the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Corporation continue to advocate and promote the development of MSMEs in the country, 23 green entrepreneurs graduated today in Port Moresby under the Pacific Greenpreneurs Incubator and Accelerator Program, implemented in PNG by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and Emstret Space in collaboration with the Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) and funded by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).
The Pacific Greenpreneurs Incubator and Accelerator Programs are initiatives of the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN), a program dedicated to fostering green, sustainable, and innovative business solutions in the Pacific region including PNG. In total, almost USD 200,000 (over 726,000 kina) in grants were awarded today to green MSMEs in PNG, bringing the total funds awarded to PNG green enterprises to a quarter of a million US dollars (over 930,000 kina) over the last 3 years through the PGEN program.
In PNG, GGGI operates in collaboration with CCDA to implement national and Pacific regional projects that support the Government’s efforts to promote green growth that is low carbon, climate resilient, environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. The PGEN project, which has been implemented by GGGI in PNG since 2021 with the support of QFFD, supports this goal on several fronts including ensuring financial inclusion, the creation of green jobs and sustainable incomes and livelihoods for small business entrepreneurs.
Commenting on the success of the program, the guest of honour, Mr. Danny Nekitel, Manager Mitigation & Low Carbon Growth , REDD+ & Mitigation Division speaking on behalf of the Acting Managing Director for CCDA Mr. William Lakain, said, “The Government is supportive of GGGI and QFFD’s Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network, recognizing their role in supporting green MSME businesses that not only minimize our national carbon footprint but also contribute to making our communities more climate resilient through supporting PNG’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Ms. Al-Jazi Al-Hanzab International Organizations Head Section Representative spoke on behalf of GGGI’s funding partner, the Qatar Fund for Development. She stated in her recorded remarks, “Your success today is a testament to your proven innovation, collaboration and determination to address our planet’s pressing challenges. I urge you to continue your journey with the same passion and dedication that brought you here. Embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, for it is in overcoming them that you will truly make a difference.” Ms. Al-Jazi Al Hanzab said.
Emstret Space, a leading advocate for sustainable development in Papua New Guinea, in partnership with GGGI marked three years of commitment to fostering green entrepreneurship in the region.
Emstret Space CEO, Ms. Vani Nades, expressed her enthusiasm about the program’s success, stating, “We are thrilled to see the tremendous growth and impact that the GGGI PGEN program has had on green entrepreneurs in Papua New Guinea. The innovative ideas and commitment displayed by participants are a testament to the potential for sustainable development in our region.”
Representing GGGI, Mr. Sakiusa Tuisolia, Country Representative for Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands delivered his remarks at the event, “Today, we honor the achievements of the 13 incubator and 10 accelerator graduates of 2023, who have completed their programs with exemplary dedication.”
Mr. Tuisolia also added, “As we celebrate the achievements of these graduates, let us also reflect on the profound impact their endeavors will have on our environment and communities in responding to the significant challenges of climate change. We commend their passion, resilience, and commitment to a green and sustainable Pacific.”
The graduation ceremony highlighted the accomplishments of six incubator graduates who emerged victorious in a competitive business plan competition, displaying outstanding business models aligned with the sustainable development goals. The six winners were awarded USD $5,000 each (approximately 18,622 Kina each) in seed grant funding to invest in the growth of their businesses.
Speaking on behalf of the Incubator graduates, Ms. Helen Alua, founder of Trendy Boutique Online, thanked GGGI, QFFD and Emstret Space. “A big thank you to you all for sponsoring and facilitating the 2023 Pacific Greenpreneurs Incubator Program. You have made a significant difference in the business community by training and building up new entrepreneurs like me and the graduates” Ms. Alua added.
For the first time, the graduation of the inaugural cohort of 10 growth-stage Papua New Guinean Greenpreneurs from the Accelerator program was celebrated. Five accelerator graduates were awarded zero interest repayable grants of between USD 10,000 – $50,000, based on detailed funding proposals to unleash the potential of their business and impact.
Ms. Martha Raka, founder of Sere J Pacific and a recipient of a USD 50,000 repayable grant also shared her sentiments regarding the program. “I want to express our gratitude to the Global Green Growth Institute and the Qatar Fund for Development for their commitment to fostering sustainable development and recognizing the potential within small green businesses in the Pacific particularly PNG.”
She further stated, “These grants are not just financial contributions; they are investments in a future where businesses play a pivotal role in addressing pressing social and environmental issues.”
For more information on the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network, visit: www.pacificgreenpreneurs.com
About Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD):
Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) is a Qatari public institution committed, on behalf of the State of Qatar, to implement foreign aid projects by international best practices and standards.
Since 2012, QFFD has been providing aid to many countries in accordance with the international cooperation goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. Its primary goal is to achieve inclusive and sustainable development by addressing global priority issues in education, health, and economic development. In this context, priority is given to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 3: “Ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all”;
- SDG 4: “Ensuring fair and inclusive education for all and enhancing lifelong learning for all”;
- SDG 8: “Promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and keeping full and productive employment and decent work for all.”
To realize the optimal development impact, QFFD projects are also designed to have cross-cutting co-benefits within SDG (2) on “Zero hunger” and SDG (6) on “Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” in addition to SDG (17) on “Partnerships to Achieve Goals.”
QFFD cooperates with many reputable actors through strategic partnerships both locally and internationally. These include Civil Society Organizations, government agencies, UN agencies, and the private sector.
About Emstret Space:
Emstret Space is a leading advocate for sustainable development in Papua New Guinea, committed to fostering green entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, Emstret Space aims to create a positive impact on the environment and contribute to the well-being of communities in the Pacific region.
For media inquiries, please contact: Emstret Space at space@emstret.com
