The Solomon Islands government has launched the ‘Iumi Gro Business Accelerator,’ a program designed to empower women, youth, and grassroots entrepreneurs across the country.
Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Hon. Trevor Hedley Manemahaga, and representatives from the Government of Australia, the Australian High Commission, and development stakeholders attended the launch ceremony.
The Iumi Gro Business Accelerator aims to unleash the potential of entrepreneurs in every province, ward, and rural area, providing them with the necessary skills and support to grow their businesses.
The program is part of the government’s efforts to drive real change and deliver bold results, particularly for the 84% of the population living in rural areas.
Minister Manemahaga emphasized the importance of partnerships and scaling up support to achieve the country’s development goals. “Solomon Islands is ready to graduate from Least Developed Country status, but we cannot do it without scaled-up support,” he said.
“Let us scale it. Let us reach more women from the hills of Malaita. More youth from the lagoons of Western Province. More entrepreneurs on remote islands who are rich in ideas but short on access.”
The Australian Government has been a key partner in the program, providing generous support through the Strongim Bisnis initiative.
The Australian Government has also invested in various infrastructure projects across the country, including the Buala Market Redevelopment, Gizo Water Supply Project, and local infrastructure upgrades under the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP).
The Iumi Gro Business Accelerator will provide training and funding support to ten entrepreneurs, who will pitch for SBD 100,000 in funding to grow their businesses.
The program is expected to create pathways for others to follow, empowering women, youth, and rural entrepreneurs to see their future as within reach.
Minister Manemahaga concluded, “This program is not just about building businesses; it’s about reshaping the story of Solomon Islands. Let every woman with a product, every young person with a dream, every rural entrepreneur with an idea – know that this Government sees them, values them, and is ready to back them.”
- Govt Com Unit
