10 local businessmen attend academy week

By JASON DOM
AT least 10 business people attended the PNG Entrepreneur Academy in Port Moresby last week.
According to the start-up consultant of the academy, Axel Peyriere, the objective was to coach entrepreneurs to progress the relationship between its business and investors.
“The programme was supported by the Australian government to help local entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams of building their own success story,” Peyriere said.
One of those who attended the programme, Tarcisius Maune, said it was good for micro-entrepreneurs because it provided a clear path about building business skills, “which is new to us but common in overseas countries”.
“Some of the businesses have already rolled out, they have conducted business as usual but there may be one component of the business that will need coaching to address the challenge,” Maune said.
“It’s also about building networks and connections with other entrepreneurs.
“Sharing ideas and exchanging contacts can make business more meaningful.”
One of the role models of the academy and founder of BuySmart website, Samantha Ivankin, said: “It’s a tough decision to make, becoming an entrepreneur.
“I gave up my time looking for jobs after I graduated with a degree in land administration from the PNG University of Technology.
“I was shortlisted in the Kumul Game Changers (KGC) in 2017.”
Of the KGC bootcamp, she said: “I thought things will work out smoothly, but it turned out hard so I had to face it but thanks to the PNG entrepreneur academy for making things possible.”
Ivankin has ventured into real estate, land and property deals with likeminded clients.