More than 600 graduate from SME training in Huon Gulf

A total of 637 participants from Wampar LLG in the Huon Gulf District of Morobe Province have successfully graduated from a two-week Small, Medium and Enterprise [SME] rollout training held at 9-Mile Bubia Elementary School.

The program is an initiative of the Huon Gulf District Development Authority [DDA] and District Administration, delivered in partnership with the SME Corporation [SMEC]. The training aims to empower youths and women by helping them transition from the informal sector into sustainable SME ventures.

Huon Gulf MP and Minister for Community Development, Jason Peter highlighted during the graduation ceremony, that K600,000 was allocated to the district in 2023 specifically to conduct SME trainings across all LLGs.

For the recently concluded 'Start Your Business - Micro Enterprise Training', the district allocated more than K100, 000.

“The best way the government can help its people is through such SME trainings,” Minister Peter said. He urged graduates to remain committed to their ventures, keep God at the center of their efforts, and strive for long-term success.

The SMEC Managing Director, Petrus Ralda in his speeched explained, that the SME Corporation has re-strategized by using the bottom-up approach, where it has now begun rolling out the SYB training from the ward level up.

“This training is not necessarily about creating businesses but about changing your mindset, that is the primary goal.The first step is to recognize the value of even a five toea,” he said.

Ralda went on to encourage the participants to work hard and remain focused, in order to build strong foundations for their business aspirations.

The graduation marks a significant milestone for the Huon Gulf District, as it continues efforts to strengthen local economic participation through targeted training and capacity-building initiatives.