Wards form business after undergoing training

Business

TWO wards in Gazelle, East New Britain (ENB), have formed a small business after undergoing a three-day business consultancy training recently.
Member for Taulil ward 1 in the Toma-Vunadidir local level government area Laon Palangat said the Taulil MSME (micro small-to-medium enterprise), formed on Friday, had start-up capital of K780.
The money was provided by the course’s 78 participants from Taulil wards 1 and 2 who contributed K10 each as registration for the training.
Palangat said it was feasible and easier to start small businesses through cooperatives at the ward and village level.
“We have had trade stores, PMV (public motor vehicle) services, buying points, poultry and other small business in the two wards but as time has gone by many of these businesses die out due to disagreements,” Palangat said.
He said partnership was important and formation of the MSME in terms of literacy training.
Taulil MSME interim coordinator Cathy Kunai said they were thankful for the awareness.
Kunai said vendors, especially mothers, did not need to just sell produce at roadside markets.
The business consultancy training was funded by Nambawan Hire Car (Good Samaritan) and facilitated by two certified Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion trainers Renson Mar and Nicholas Bata.
Mar, who is also an accountant, said the financial literacy training was organised to get locals of the Taulil wards to attend and comprehend the purpose and significance of financial inclusion activities.
“With the increase in SMEs, MSMEs and also agriculture businesses such as balsa (wood) and cocoa, it is important that such training is carried so that the people know how to save, budget and spend their money,” he said.