SME awards to inspire operators

 THE small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) business awards will encourage and reward successful business men and women, Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) acting managing director Henry Marasembi says.

The SME awards were officially launched by the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in Madang last week following the closure of the inaugural SME summit.

Marasembi told a media conference in Port Moresby yesterday that three award categories were introduced recently to boost the SME sector.

An initiative of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry headed by Richard Maru and the SBDC, the awards scheme is aimed at “promoting excellence in entrepreneurship”.

Marasembi said the 2013 best business plan awards for students in secondary schools and technical vocational education training (TVET) would kick start this year.

“The 2013 best business plan awards recognises outstanding achievements by young Papua New Guineans enrolled in the Know about Business (KAB) programme being piloted in 35 schools around the country,” he said.

An overall winner would be awarded at a gala night in Port Moresby in October.

Marasembi said the 2013 best business plan awards as looking for sponsors for the gold, silver and bronze categories.