The new Pacific Islands Business Mentoring Programme, which was launched in the Cook Islands last month, has arrived in Tonga. Five volunteer mentors from Business Mentors New Zealand (BMNZ) landed in the country on Monday.
Tonga is one of 11 Pacific island countries to be included in the BMNZ managed project over the next three years with funding provided by New Zealand’s Aid Programme.
The programme aims to assist small and medium sized businesses in the Pacific to manage and grow their businesses in a way that supports sustained increases in production and employment over time. It is hoped the programme will be a catalyst for identifying other business needs such as training, and create opportunities for partnerships and joint ventures, and increased Pacific exports, including to New Zealand.
Tricia Emberson, Secretary of the Tonga Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the BMNZ agent for the scheme, says: `Tonga has been hard hit by the global economic crisis so this support could not have come at a better time. Many people here simply don’t know how to cope with such a challenging business environment. Being able to tap into the skills and knowledge of an experienced NZ mentor will help our business owners improve their operations and planning so they can get through the tough times and continue to move forwards.’
Ian Furlong, Pacific Manager at Business Mentors, adds: ‘Independent NZ business mentors have a range of expertise that is often not available in these countries. This includes an in-depth understanding of sales and marketing, financial planning and working out a viable business plan, which are the areas where the most help is usually required in smaller business communities. Volunteer mentors are also able to offer a different perspective and can help a business owner spot opportunities for further growth, profitability and improvement.’
Prime Minister John Key announced the development of the new Pacific Business Mentoring Programme last year to provide practical support for Pacific businesses, explaining: ‘Many of the Pacific business people I have met recently have told me how useful it would be for them to have greater access to business advice and mentoring from New Zealand.’
For more information on Business Mentors visit the website
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