Zoneshare aims to support MSME growth

A COMPANY has set up a facility to support the growth of micro, small-to-medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Port Moresby and the country, says an executive.
Speaking during the launching of the Zoneshare, a subsidiary of Hitech Industries Ltd general manager Leslie Ratcliffe said the K2 million facility would support small businesses build their network.
“Zoneshare is a facility for MSME business owners who have no working space and prefer working in an environment that has enablers at their fingertips for driving their business ideas, broadening their networks and exposure to facilities that would improve their business image,” he said.
Ratcliffe said Zoneshare was targeting entrepreneur consultants, home-based MSME’s in Port Moresby as well as other centres that were looking for a “conducive comfortable working areas at affordable rates to carry out their business activities.”
The facility is equipped with 30 individual work stations and costs K90 per day with wifi included.
“There’s also secretarial services like printing available and two conference rooms that can be rented for about K275 half a day,” he added.
PNG MSME president Des Yaninen said this facility would encourage MSMEs to move from informal businesses to the SME status.
“The MSME council through its partnership with SME Corporation (Smec) have been working towards setting up proposed incubation centers that encourages the development of SMEs that promotes vibrant market activity through buying and selling and eventually taking up export opportunities.
Smec chairman John Pora said SMEs could one day influence the export sector in areas of agriculture, fisheries and industrial cloth lining among other sectors.
“SMEs have the potential of supporting the Government’s aim to reduce imports and increase exports,” he said.