Australia and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration have launched the first ever Iumi Gro Business Accelerator program.
This is a new five-month training program designed to provide customised and expert business coaching and development training for ten Solomon Islander owned and operated businesses.
The program will also provide the ten businesses with networking opportunities and a chance to pitch their future business plans for SBD100,000 in new investment at the end of the program.
The initiative is targeted at businesses with high growth potential across all sectors of the economy and focused on businesses owned or led by women, youth, and people with disabilities.
Over 70 applications were made from across the country and the 10 businesses that were successful included:
- Menah Fish Supplies, that wants to sell more locally sourced fish
- Cravings, an up and coming cake and baked goods business
- B&E Diving and Explorations, a scuba diving vessel cleaningbusiness
- Shine Bright Cleaning Services, a residential and commercial cleaning business
- Sone Logistics, a transport and logistics business
- CEMS Holdings, a clothes and fashion designer
- Storeroom Productions, a media and videographer business
- SolAgro, a business wanting to sell ngali nuts and other horticultural commodities
- Aelan Cruise, a tourism boat business to scale up more tourism opportunities in Central Province
- Smart Technology, a ICT maintenance and repair business
Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Hon. Trevor Manemahaga, welcomed the new program and highlighted its potential to strengthen Solomon Islands’ small business sector.
“Small businesses are vital to driving economic growth and creating local jobs. Through this partnership with Australia, we are proud to support an initiative that will equip our entrepreneurs with the tools they need to grow stronger, more resilient businesses,” Minister Manemahaga said.
Acting Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Mr Andrew Schloeffel, said the Iumi Gro accelerator builds on Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting job creation and private sector development.
“Australia is dedicated to supporting local small and medium-sized businesses to grow and become the business leaders of the future. The Iumi Gro accelerator program demonstrates what’s possible and is designed to equip these businesses with the practical skills, networks, and investment opportunities they need to take that next big step forward,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
Ilalina Bisili, Co-founder of Cravings and one of the selected participants, said the program offers a rare and valuable opportunity.
“I’m proud to be part of the Iumi Gro accelerator. The training and support we’ve already received has changed how I look at growing my business. It’s inspiring to be on this journey with other local entrepreneurs who are just as passionate about making a difference for our country through our businesses,” Ms Bisili said.
This is the first time the first targeted accelerator of its kind in Solomon Islands and demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting the country’s next generation of business leaders.
