Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Program Archives

PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation (SMEC) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, 27 June 2025 at the Kokoda Trail Motel in Port Moresby, formalising a partnership focused on advancing micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) development in PNG’s tourism sector.

The MoU sets a collaborative framework to deliver business development services including entrepreneurship training, business formalisation support, and compliance assistance tailored specifically for tourism MSMEs. The partnership will also support financial literacy, training of trainers, and shared use of regional business hubs across the country.

TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo and Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation’s (SMEC) Managing Director, Mr. Petrus Ralda, signed the MOU. The signing was witnessed by Executive Manager for Research and Business Development, Douglas Keari, and the Director of SME Business Advisory & Capacity Building, Diana W. Guria.

The MOU outlines key areas of cooperation, including the delivery of “Start Your Business” and “Improve Your Business” training programs, support for business registration processes, assistance with tax compliance, and development of customized training materials for tourism operators. Costs associated with training logistics, materials, and trainer expenditure will be shared.

Ralda praised the initiative as a vital step in bridging tourism and entrepreneurship.

“Tourism has enormous potential to lift communities out of poverty and drive sustainable growth. This MOU allows us to reach deeper into rural and remote areas where tourism opportunities exist but lack the technical support to flourish,” said Ralda.

The partnership also includes mechanisms for joint oversight, regular communication, and review of projects, ensuring transparency and strategic alignment throughout its implementation.

Speaking on behalf of the CEO of TPA, Keari welcomed the partnership, highlighting the benefits of the MOU for the tourism industry members.

“This MoU marks a new chapter in our efforts to strengthen the grassroots level of our tourism economy. For too long, aspiring tourism entrepreneurs have lacked access to the training, resources, and the support needed to grow. This collaboration with SMEC fills that gap by ensuring our MSMEs are equipped to thrive in both local and international markets,” said Keari.

He added that the partnership aligns with TPA’s broader mission to stimulate sustainable tourism development and build resilient local economies.

“Through this partnership, we are creating the foundation for a more inclusive tourism industry, one that empowers our people, protects indigenous knowledge, and supports long-term economic growth,” said Keari.

During the graduation Mr. Keari and Mr. Pundu also graduated as ILO SIYB Trainers. Since first participating in 2023 TPA has graduated 6 staff as trainers. The training will enable TPA to conduct business startup and management training to Tourism SMEs throughout the country.

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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) congratulated two of its staff for successfully graduating with their Training of Trainers (ToT) Certificate on Friday 27 June 2025 at the Kokoda Trail Motel, Port Moresby.

TPA’s Executive Manager for Research & Business Development, Douglas Keari and TPA’s Culture Officer, Jessie Pundu, join a certified network of SIYB Trainers responsible for delivering capability-building and business advisory services nationwide.

The training under the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) program took an intensive two-week training program facilitated by the Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation (SMEC), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The SIYB program is a globally recognized entrepreneurial training initiative designed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to build the capacity of trainers who will provide business development training and support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

Keari highlighted on the positive aspects of the training.

“This certification is a personal milestone and it’s an opportunity to directly contribute to the growth of our tourism MSMEs. The training has equipped us with tools and that are practical and rooted in the realities of what our small business operators across PNG face,” said Keari.

Pundu said that he was excited and committed to demonstrating some of his newly acquired skills from the training to the industry members in tourism.

“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. The skills and knowledge I’ve gained will help me support grassroots tourism operators, especially in the cultural and community-based tourism space. I’m eager to start putting it all into action,” said Pundu.

Keari and Pundu will join a growing team of certified trainers within the organization. The duo will work alongside TPA’s Senior Partnership & Liaison Officer, Clare Atava Kolma, and Senior Business Development Officer, Dunstan Uluchoe, who both completed their ILO Trainers’ Certification in 2023.

The SIYB program covered a wide scope of responsibilities, including the promotion of entrepreneurship, training delivery, quality assurance, technical support, and ongoing mentorship of MSMEs. Trainers are expected to follow strict ILO and SMEC guidelines to ensure the consistency and quality of training delivery.

TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo commended both employees for their commitment to the training.

“This achievement reflects TPA’s commitment to investing in our human resources to better serve the tourism sector. I am proud of Douglas and Jessie for embracing this challenge. Their certification not only enhances our internal capabilities but also strengthens our outreach to communities and MSMEs that form the backbone of our tourism industry.”

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