Culture hinders growth of businesses

By YVONNE KAMBIBEL
CULTURAL obligation is the biggest hindrance to the development and sustenance of businesses run by locals, according to the Small-Medium Enterprise Corporation (SMEC).
Managing director Petrus Ralda told a group of 25 who attended a start-your-business training in Port Moresby last week to be wary of “unnecessary” expenses.
“Cultural obligations (such as) bride price, funerals and feasts are unnecessary expenses for a business and should be done away with,” he said. “It would be painful to say no to all that, but if you want your business to succeed, then sometimes you must learn to say no to these obligations.
“These are unnecessary expenses that lead to the downfall of so many businesses in our country.” The group of 24 women and a man are from the Kamapim Gutpla Sidaun Incorporate in Western Highlands.
They received certificates on Thursday after successfully completing the two-week training.
Ralda challenged the 25, who made their way to Port Moresby to attend the training, to use what they have learnt to assist their business or start up a new one.
Group president Serah Tonny thanked the SMEC for allowing the team to come to Port Moresby for the training.
“We are business illiterate mothers from the village,” she said.
“We have been sewing meri blouses in bulks that are distributed (around) the Highlands and the country.”