PNG SME Magazine

11/12/2025

Starting a business is never easy, and keeping it alive—let alone growing it—is even harder. Among the many stories we’ve shared over the years, one that continues to inspire is Tapioca Delight, a feature story in the PNG SME Magazine issue No. 1 in 2015.

A decade later, in 2025, they stand as a fully fledged catering operation with trained chefs, dedicated service staff, and an impressive range of equipment capable of handling almost any catering need. All of this grew from a humble tapioca‑cake side hustle.

Genia and Sialis have travelled a remarkable journey. We acknowledge their resilience, celebrate their progress, and commend their contribution to creating employment opportunities for Papua New Guineans.

10/12/2025

10/12/2025

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Stephen Topaleku, Brittany Giarua, David Walali, Indra Roy, Reuben Kora, Frefre Don, Simeon Soluwi Jnr, Doris David, Hosea Mete, Marika N Walaunia, James Wele, Darren Naweyah Semdip, Konio Kaia Toua, Mal Williams Kelebi, Alphonse Beko, Jonathan Numapo Launa, Emmanuel Kay Wiap, Betty Carol Madu, David Ropra, Levai John, Asa Tifati, Rachel Lapauve, Elias Yaragi, Hantundu Elizah Nathan, Darusila Viringa, David Irasua, Hilla Yambe Puli, Edwin Ootu, Ama Alice, John Kibul, Francis Asi, Wh**ey Blew Saidors, Kali Kali, Mark Danmark Banit, Helen Benive, Martin Ningi, Gibson Tibzmahn, Butty Silla Lokowai, Jnr J Pulu, Hezron Tegi, Steve Akope Nol, Cathy Seeto, Russell Dakulbang Tupaip, Selbyanna Jay Waip, Nancy Willie, Fredrick Sade, Numa Sonea, Eugine Tikenie, Esther Kuri, Micah Hinanu

09/12/2025

SME TIMELINE 2010-2020

There has been many government interventions for SME since 1975 . Whilst some SMEs have succeeded, many have succumb to economic conditions, infrastructure deterioration and deficiencies and a knowledge gap to maneuver difficulties.

The Somare Government revisited the SME agenda after coming into power in 2007 with the aim to develop the policy pillars that would re-ignite the sector. The SME wheel progressed with the O'Neill Government 2012-2019.

Since taking office in 2019, Prime Minister James Marape has taken SME to the next level.
Whilst more work is still needed, Marape's intervention is by far the largest dose in the 10 year period 2010-2020.

He is turning the wheel of change, focusing not only on Urban and Peri Urban Micro and SME Businesses but also Rural and Far Fural PNG with Agriculture and Connect PNG on his foresight - in his bid to make PNG a food basket for the Asia Pacific Region.

Other notable changes is the updated Policy Review by SME Corporation 2019, Funding of the SME Corporation, a New Board and the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Basil to Commerce and Industry which will directly over-see SME Corp.

The new Small Business Tax to be rolled out in April by IRC this year is simpler and is aimed at capturing a wider pool of Micro and Small Businesses as development partners in nation building and to prepare their respective growth compliance pathways to access government finance/support via commercial banks.

The Government SME Council has the Prime Minister as Chairman, Minister Commerce and Industry as Deputy Chairman who in this case is the Deputy Prime Minister. The government Council has a quorum of key economic cabinet ministers.

2021 - 2024, is a critical period for the SME Corporation Board Chaired by John Pora. Supported by CEO Petrus Ralda, they are on an alignment mission to set the tone for the SME Story 2030 and beyond.

09/12/2025

Congratulations to Harold Joseph Daniel of Malala Coconut Co- Operative Society Ltd.

Mr Daniel was named the winner of the Kina Bank Sustainability Excellence Award 2025 in the recent PNG SME Awards for his efforts in sustainable agriculture practices.

We look forward to more outstanding outcomes in this space.

08/12/2025

Key Takeaway |

Leadership is about vision, empowerment, and sustainability. It’s the art of creating a strong foundation so that others can add their skills, creativity, and energy to achieve something greater than what one person could accomplish alone.

08/12/2025

A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo means that the overall performance of a business or team is limited by its weakest link. No matter how strong or fast the top performers are, the pace of progress is determined by the areas, departments, or individuals that lag behind.

06/12/2025

Unlimited Driving… No Petrol Needed!

Isaac Jipsy is a local entrepreneur and founder of ODESH (On Demand Express Services Hub), a pioneering transport and clean-energy company. He is known for introducing safe, reliable taxi services in Port Moresby and for launching PNG’s first solar car showroom, positioning ODESH as a leader in sustainable mobility.

06/12/2025

ODESH Group

2021 Kina Bank e-Commerce SME Excellence Award Winner
2023 Moni plus Limited Transport SME Excellence Award Winner
SME Corporation
Climate Change and Development Authority

Isaac Jipsy hails from Hela and the Southern Highlands and has built a reputation as one of PNG’s most forward‑thinking business leaders. He holds a Bachelor...

04/12/2025

In response to the cooperative sector’s long dormancy and persistent governance challenges, the 2025 Awards Judging Committee has introduced new benchmarks to drive transparency, inclusion, and transformative growth.

From 2026, cooperatives will be evaluated on leadership, governance, sustainable growth, and cash flow management, with emphasis on transitioning from traditional tribal or clan-based chairmanship to progressive, company-oriented management structures supported by robust administrative systems.

Key requirements include maintaining good standing with annual returns, adopting modern banking and digital payment systems, and ensuring zero cash payouts to smallholder growers to reduce crime risks. Cooperatives must demonstrate the use of e‑wallet or mobile money solutions as part of their financial practices. Sustainable growth will also be measured through climate resilience actions, domestic trade visibility, and strong supply chains for international commodity exports.

These standards aim to strengthen accountability, prepare cooperatives for future access to finance and land programs, and embed modern corporate culture.

Detailed guidelines will be released in January 2026.

04/12/2025

Standard Bank became the first African bank to integrate directly with China's Cross Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS).

CIPS enables African businesses to pay Chinese suppliers in yuan, circumventing the use of the US dollar for transactions.

The integration, initiated at an event by the South African Reserve Bank, strengthens Africa-China financial cooperation.

The new system decreases transaction costs, minimizes settlement delays, and mitigates dollar exchange rate exposure.

Kina Bank
Women's Micro Bank
MiBank PNG
BSP Financial Group Limited
Westpac PNG