The importance of strong business networks was emphasized as BSP Group Chief Executive Officer Mark Robinson addressed 19 small and medium-sized enterprises graduating from the YES GROW business development program on Wednesday, 4th February 2026.
Speaking at the program’s 19th graduation ceremony in Port Moresby, Mr. Robinson told graduates that long-term business success depends not only on technical skills, but on the relationships, entrepreneurs build with suppliers, customers, advisers and financial institutions.
“So much of the success of any business is having a network like suppliers, customers, advisors, bankers. These are people who can help you on your journey and if this program plays a small part in deepening and extending that network, that is a real benefit,” Mr. Robinson said.
The YES (Your Enterprise Scheme) GROW program is a partnership between BSP Financial Group Limited and Australian Business Volunteers, providing six months of structured training and one-on-one mentoring to SMEs across the South Pacific.
Mr. Robinson described small and medium-sized businesses as the backbone of the economy, noting that their role in job creation and livelihoods is just as critical in Papua New Guinea as it is globally.
“Small and medium-sized businesses are, in fact, the lifeblood of the economy. And in every economy in the world, PNG is no different,” he said.
He also highlighted BSP’s approach to engaging directly with business owners, saying meaningful support comes from understanding customers in their own operating environments.
“We don’t sit behind our desks and wait for customers to come and see us. We got out of the office. We visit our customers at their places of business. That’s how you really understand what they need,” Mr. Robinson said.
As the latest cohort completes the program, Mr. Robinson congratulated the 19 graduates and encouraged them to continue building strong relationships to sustain and grow their businesses.
“We are incredibly proud of you and the passion you bring to your businesses not just for yourselves, but for your families, your communities, and PNG’s future,” he said.
