Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance (PILAG) is not only keen in training leaders in the public service but also in business.
Last Friday, a small but significant graduation ceremony took place at Holy Trinity Teachers College in Mt Hagen where the two weeks course was delivered to twenty one (21) participants.
The event was officiated by PILAG CEO Michael Barobe, as well as representatives from Western Highlands Provincial Provincial Administration, National Development Bank and other stakeholders.
Mr Barobe, while congratulating the participants, encouraged them to be committed and dedicated in their little businesses so that they grow.
The participants are now equipped with knowledge and skills in starting up SMEs, doing project proposals, registration with Investment Promotions Authority (IPA) and Internal Revenue Commission (IRC), book keeping and other necessary skills.
The trainings are delivered by qualified trainers with Masters degree , with up to twenty (20) years of job experiences.
Meanwhile, participants also expressed gratitude for the training and thanked PILAG for delivering the two weeks training.
The fee for the training was K500 per head.
According to PILAG Highlands Regional Training Centre Manager Johnson Hebe, similar programs will run next year.
National Development Bank Mt Hagen Branch Manager Pati Kingal also expressed his concern for SME owners especially in terms of loans.
He suggested for the Western Highlands Provincial government to set up a financial assistance scheme for the people of the province.
This would also empower SME owners to overcome one of the major constraints in obtaining loan, which is, security or collateral.
Western Highlands Provincial representatives have advises that this would be relayed to governor Wai Rapa for the Provincial Administration to deliberate on.