Australia,in partnership with Papua New Guinea’s Small to Medium Enterprise Corporation (SMEC), is supporting financial literacy training for women-owned SMEs in Kokoda.
Thirty participants attended Start Your Business (SYB) financial literacy training, supported by Australia’s Kokoda Initiative Partnership program.
Participants gained essential skills to grow their businesses and diversify their economic opportunities.
Ms Maryanne Suma, who dreams of expanding her catering business, reflected on the training:
“I have already started putting into practice what I’ve learnt, like how to save my money and how to grow it,” Ms Suma said.
Single mother of four, Nesta Faola initially started as a small-time vendor, selling household items in front of her home. Over time, she has grown her business and now operates a trade store.
She said the training has helped her to better manage her income.
“Through the training I realised where I was going wrong, for example with budgeting, how to better manage my business and spend wisely,” Ms. Faola explained.
“I have learnt a lot, and it has given me a new perspective, motivating me to improve my business.”
Australia’s Kokoda Initiative Partnership is supporting communities along the Track to be engaged in more diversified income earning activities and continues to support Papua New Guinea’s commitment to increasing women’s access to economic opportunities.