SME funding not ‘handout’

THE funding for the government’s small-medium enterprises (SME) programme is not a “handout” to the recipients, says Huon Gulf administrator Moses Wanga.
He told the people of Wampar, Salamaua and Morobe seeking SME funding to provide sweat equity before seeking assistance.
“Though the government invests to support aspiring business people in SME activities, and to obtain the funding, one has to prove himself or herself with set requirements to convince the government,” he said.
“(It) isn’t a free handout.
“One has to provide the sweat equity, registered with the Investment Promotion Authority and a tax identification number from the Internal Revenue Commission for transparency purposes.”
Wanga handed over vehicles to SME owners in Wampar.
Wanga commended the cocoa farmers, trade store owners and highway vendors for sacrificing their time to save a portion of their cash to convince the district authority to pay the balance of the vehicles.
Huon Gulf MP Ross Seymour said the vehicles, dinghies and outboard motor engines were for the farmers, women and children, schools and health needs.
“I’d like to see each one of you save whatever you generate and ensure to grow the business and become successful in the future,” Seymour said. A market has been built at Yalu to promote SME along the highway.