Papua New Guinea’s small-business landscape received significant attention in early November, with the Australian Government reaffirming its long-term commitment to strengthening the country’s micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector. At the 2025 PNG SME Awards in Port Moresby, Australia recognised the ingenuity, resilience, and economic contribution of the nation’s business community — a critical engine for PNG’s economic diversification and growth.
Driven by rising entrepreneurship and increasing participation from grassroots innovators, MSMEs remain central to PNG’s efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive economy. Australia’s ongoing support — from business training to tailored financial assistance — is designed to help the sector grow sustainably and in alignment with the Government of Papua New Guinea’s Medium Term Development Plan IV.
During the awards night, Australia commended all finalists and winners for their contributions to strengthening local enterprise capacity. As part of its support programmes, Australia highlighted several key initiatives currently benefiting PNG’s MSMEs, including the country’s largest-ever MSME survey. More than 2,600 businesses across 21 provinces participated, providing valuable data to guide future business and employment interventions.
Other initiatives include the EmployAbility programme, which has placed jobseekers living with disabilities in roles across ICT, human resources, administration, and sign language training, helping create more inclusive workplaces. Australia has also supported platforms such as the Lily Magazine Homemade Business Competition, which showcases emerging micro and small businesses and celebrates innovative local entrepreneurs.
This year’s event also featured a new award category: the inaugural Yumi Stap Wantaim Award, sponsored through the PNG–Australia Partnership. The award recognises SMEs demonstrating strong business growth — measured through turnover, profitability, and market share — while also upholding values of partnership, community engagement, and service. Totalling PGK15,000, the prize includes PGK5,000 cash and PGK10,000 in tailored business development support.
Australian High Commission representative, Acting Minister Counsellor Richelle Turner, presented the award to Chef Nicky Pohonhelan, owner of Nangu Chef Catering. Pohonhelan was recognised for growing his venture from a one-person operation into a team of five, including three dedicated kitchen hands. His business showcases Papua New Guinean cuisine and has demonstrated growth and qualities central to the award’s criteria.
In her remarks, Turner emphasised the essential role of SMEs in advancing PNG’s economy.
“Papua New Guinea’s small and medium enterprises contribute to a dynamic and inclusive economy by driving innovation and excellence every day. The annual SME Awards night places a spotlight on the contribution businesses of all sizes make,” she said.
Accepting the award, Pohonhelan thanked the Australian Government for the opportunity to expand his business capacity.
“As an SME out there, right now I’m thinking of what kind of stove am I going to get, what kind of oven am I going to get. I appreciate the Australian Government for giving me this opportunity to basically wonder how else I can grow my business, because there has been plans, but the issue was finance,” he said.
Australia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting PNG’s entrepreneurs, noting that a vibrant SME sector is fundamental to inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The SME Awards continue to provide a platform that not only recognises business excellence but also strengthens development partnerships aimed at empowering Papua New Guinean businesses from the ground up.
