Business Link Pacific

11/06/2026

💡Pacific businesses are feeling the pressure of the global fuel crisis.

Business Link Pacific has released a new report assessing the current and future impacts of rising fuel prices on the Pacific regional economy.

The report is informed by a survey of 464 businesses across 10 Pacific Island nations and highlights the challenges facing local enterprises, including supply chain disruption, rising energy costs, and growing pressure on profitability.

Key findings show that 84% of surveyed businesses are currently experiencing difficulties due to rising fuel prices, with agriculture, tourism and hospitality, and female-owned businesses among the most affected.

The report also points to the urgent need for targeted support, including small cash-flow grants, low-interest loans, and subsidised advisory services to help businesses strengthen continuity and resilience.

Read the full report to explore the data, sector insights, and recommendations for supporting Pacific businesses through the fuel crisis.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14hkibyqCkxP7BhlqHT7K4K9Ft1Ml1qTk/view?usp=drive_link

DT Global New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade New Zealand High Commission in Samoa New Zealand High Commission- Honiara, Solomon Islands New Zealand High Commission, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea New Zealand High Commission, Rarotonga, Cook Islands New Zealand High Commission Niue New Zealand High Commission in Vanuatu New Zealand High Commission, Suva, Fiji New Zealand High Commission, Nuku'alofa, Tonga

09/06/2026

Since 2017, BLP has supported businesses in the Pacific Islands in accessing advisory services and finance, and in responding to unexpected shocks.

After the devastating Port Vila 2024 earthquake, many small businesses in Vanuatu faced the difficult task of rebuilding from the ground up.

In this video, artist Alvaro Kiki Kuautonga shares how support from a BLP Rebuilding Port Vila grant helped him restart his business and continue creating.

His story is a powerful reminder that recovery is not only about rebuilding buildings — it is about restoring livelihoods, creativity, and hope.

Watch Alvaro’s story: https://youtu.be/FavWFOvASPQ?si=koMlw9LE32jsMGSx

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade New Zealand High Commission in Vanuatu DT Global Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry

In this Vanuatu video, artist Alvaro Kuautonga reports on how he wa...

05/06/2026

Supporting women-led businesses, we celebrate with owner Laleena Devi as her hardware materials company, Dispatch & Delivery in Fiji, receives a Hino delivery truck, made possible through Business Link Pacific’s Co-Investment Fund (CIF).
“This truck will take our delivery operations to another level and allow us to better serve our customers,” she said.

With $ 40,000 FJD from the CIF grant and a business contribution of $ 47,900 FJD, she was able to purchase a truck worth $87,900.

The keys to the new truck were officially handed over to Laleena by Adam Crichton, First Secretary at the New Zealand High Commission in Fiji, during his visit alongside Ramesh Chand, BLP Stakeholder and Business Manager and BLP Business Service Manager, Deepak Prasad from Business Assistance Fiji. (Photo below)

Dispatch & Delivery PTE Limited supplies a wide range of hardware materials and provides delivery services from the Navua to Nausori corridor.

For the full story on how Laleena accessed this grant, go to businesslinkpacific.com:
https://about.businesslinkpacific.com/fiji-blp-supporting-woman-led-hardware-business-dispatch-delivery/

The CIF provides financial support to SMEs by matching their investments to increase the size and impact of SME projects. For more information on the Co-Investment Fund, go to businesslinkpacific.com: https://businesslinkpacific.com/grants

As a Pacific based SME, start your journey with BLP with our free online self-assessment tools. These tools help you diagnose areas for improvement in your business. BLP can then connect you with local BLP-approved advisors to develop your business. 👇🏽

🚶🏽‍➡️As a first step, you can create an SME account on the BLP Portal to use any of the free business assessment tools, like the Business Health Check: 🔗https://businesslinkpacific.com/ -toolkit

🤝🏽 Do you prefer to meet in person? Contact one of our Pacific in-country local partners who can discuss your needs and help you develop a business Diagnostic. Contact the BLP representative in your country: 🔗https://about.businesslinkpacific.com/countries/

Business Assistance Fiji - BAF DT Global New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade New Zealand High Commission, Suva, Fiji

03/06/2026

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) is the peak private sector body for the Solomon Islands and BLP’s Private Sector Partner in the Solomon Islands, as well as the Solomon Islands Small Business Enterprise Centre.

We spoke to James Dolarii, the Chief Executive Officer, who talked to us about the priorities for SICCI and the partnership with BLP.

Read the full story here: 👇
https://about.businesslinkpacific.com/solomon-islands-chamber-of-commerce-industry-prioritising-engagement/

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a driving force for the private sector through advocacy, strategic partnerships and support services.

Close connections and strong networks are the basis for proactive, appropriate, and innovative Chamber strategies and initiatives that support the private sector and help shape a stronger, more dynamic economy for the Solomon Islands.

As a Pacific based SME, start your journey with BLP with our free online self-assessment tools. These tools help you diagnose areas for improvement in your business. BLP can then connect you with local BLP-approved advisors to develop your business. 👇🏽

🚶🏽‍➡️As a first step, you can create an SME account on the BLP Portal to use any of the free business assessment tools, like the Business Health Check:

🔗https://businesslinkpacific.com/ -toolkit

🤝🏽 Do you prefer to meet in person? Contact one of our Pacific in-country local partners who can discuss your needs and help you develop a business Diagnostic. Contact the BLP representative in your country: 🔗https://about.businesslinkpacific.com/countries/

DDT GlobalNNew Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TradeNNew Zealand High Commission- Honiara, Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) is the peak private sector body for the Solomon Islands. We spoke to James Dolarii who is […]

30/05/2026

📢 Spotlight on our sister programme, SAFER Pacific 👇

With support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded SAFER Pacific program, Paper Source South Pacific has strengthened its capacity to grow as a sustainable local manufacturer while preparing for new local and regional markets and financing opportunities.

👏 Since 2018, the business has been producing biodegradable paper products made from recycled paper, bagasse and bamboo, and supplying hotels and resorts, commercial businesses, schools, universities and government entities with practical, environmentally responsible alternatives.

The business is showing how innovation in Fiji can deliver both commercial value and positive environmental outcomes.

✔️ Support provided through SAFER Pacific has included new market linkages, business advisory assistance, and access to funding. SAFER Pacific has connected the business with buyers and partners across Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific, while also supporting business planning, financial projections and investment preparation for financing opportunities, including the Business Link Pacific Co-Investment Fund.

As a result, Paper Source South Pacific is now better positioned to expand into new product lines and regional markets, with potential to increase production, create jobs and contribute to Fiji’s economy while protecting its natural environment.

📢 The owner’s message, “Think Green, Live Recycle,” reflects the business’s long-term commitment to sustainable growth and community impact.

“Looking ahead, the goal is to expand into export markets, further diversify eco-friendly paper products, and position Paper Source Fiji as a leading regional supplier of sustainable tissue products,” says business owner Raj Singh.

Learn more about SAFER Pacific: https://dt-global.com/projects/safer-pacific-increasing-msme-resilience-in-the-pacific-islands/

DT Global

SAFER Pacific works on increasing MSMEs' resilience to the effects of climate-change-induced shocks due to improved access to climate-focused financing and business development services.

27/05/2026

💡Spotlight on our partner, the Development Bank of Tuvalu

With a landmass of just 26 square kilometres, the nation of Tuvalu is one of the smallest and most remote countries on the planet.

Business Link Pacific’s partner in Tuvalu is the Development Bank of Tuvalu (DBT). We spoke to the CEO of the Development Bank of Tuvalu, Temukisa Pesega Siale, about the bank’s vital role in Tuvalu and its partnership with BLP.

Read the full story here: https://about.businesslinkpacific.com/tuvalu-development-bank-of-tuvalu-providing-vital-financial-support/

“The bank's focus is to support SMEs and the private sector, offering loans tailored to different sectors in the economy, like agriculture. In the outer islands, we provide microloans to high-risk businesses. Around 80-90% of businesses in the outer islands are financially supported by the Bank, particularly those in the retail and wholesale sectors,” says Temukisa.

DBT’s partnership with BLP is in its early stages, but Temukisa is excited for the opportunities ahead. “BLP’s diagnostic tools like the Business Health Check are extremely valuable in helping MSMEs to understand where they need to focus for improvement.”

As a Pacific-based SME, start your journey with BLP with our free online self-assessment tools. These tools help you diagnose areas for improvement in your business. BLP can then connect you with local BLP-approved advisors to develop your business. 👇🏽

🚶🏽‍➡️As a first step, you can create an SME account on the BLP Portal to use any of the free business assessment tools, like the Business Health Check: 🔗https://businesslinkpacific.com/ -toolkit
🤝🏽 Do you prefer to meet in person? Contact one of our Pacific in-country local partners who can discuss your needs and help you develop a business Diagnostic. Contact the BLP representative in your country: 🔗https://about.businesslinkpacific.com/countries/

Development Bank of Tuvalu New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade DT Global, New Zealand High Commission Tuvalu
,

https://about.businesslinkpacific.com/tuvalu-development-bank-of-tuvalu-providing-vital-financial-support/

With a landmass of just 26 square kilometres, the nation of Tuvalu is one of the smallest and most remote countries on the planet. Business Link […]

24/05/2026

Missed SAFER Pacific's live webinar? Watch the recording below.😉

SAFER Pacific’s third regional knowledge-sharing event: Climate-Smart MSMEs. Building Resilience for Island Economies.

👉 https://youtu.be/9NWVBvQ4afA?si=UwagprzVlcgzSV-6

Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the SAFER Pacific program supports micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises across the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

This webinar shares practical insights to help MSMEs strengthen climate resilience and build more sustainable businesses. Speakers discuss what climate resilience means for small businesses, how to create and resource a resilience plan, and real examples of MSMEs taking action to adapt and become more resilient.

Topics covered include:

✅ What climate resilience looks like for MSMEs
✅ Creating and resourcing a resilience plan
✅Case studies of MSMEs building resilience
✅Practical steps for island businesses facing climate-related risks

Check out SAFER Pacific's speakers!

Liliana Locke, Climate Advisor.
Lagi Fisher, National Business Advisor - Fiji
Velenie Jacob, National Business Advisor - Vanuatu
Manita Ray, Gender Equality Consultant
Tanner Chaiken, Financial Sector Development Consultant
Barbara Wilkinson, MSME Agency Capacity Building Consultant

DT Global

Missed the live webinar? Watch the recording of SAFER Pacific’s t...

22/05/2026

🌴🚀Business Link Pacific (BLP) and Business Assistance Fiji - BAF have launched the 𝗶𝗧𝗮𝘂𝗸𝗲𝗶 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁 — a major step toward making business support more accessible for indigenous entrepreneurs in Fiji, especially those in rural and village communities.

For many MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise) owners in Fiji, navigating the path from an informal business to a formal, sustainable enterprise can be daunting. While English is the common language of commerce, 𝗡𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗸𝗮 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵, Acting General Manager of BAF, says, “Deeper and more meaningful comprehension is achieved when information is shared in one’s native tongue.”

The 𝗶𝗧𝗮𝘂𝗸𝗲𝗶 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁 includes a suite of BLP digital diagnostic tools in the iTaukei language to help business owners detect potential problem areas in their operations and connect with local advisory support.

𝗕𝘆 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝗧𝗮𝘂𝗸𝗲𝗶, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁:
✅Confidence is built: Entrepreneurs can engage with complex business concepts without the "language barrier."

✅Accessibility is increased: Rural and community-based businesses are no longer left behind.

✅Cultural Respect is maintained: Business services are delivered in a way that is both practical and culturally appropriate.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁
Indigenous entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit the BAF website to access these resources.

By utilising these tools, MSMEs can move toward more business formalisation, access potential subsidies for advisory services, and access a network of over 200 quality-approved business advisors across the Pacific.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗷𝗶.𝗰𝗼𝗺

DT Global New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade New Zealand High Commission, Suva, Fiji

20/05/2026

💪🏽📱𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗮’𝘀 𝗦𝗠𝗘𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲!

Business Link Pacific, in partnership with the Samoa Chamber of Commerce & Industry, hosted a 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗖𝘆𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 today, to support small and medium-sized businesses in Samoa.

Delivered by 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗮, the session focused on practical, easy-to-use digital tools and simple cybersecurity steps that can help SMEs grow with confidence while staying safe online.

The New Zealand High Commission in Samoa, represented by Deputy High Commissioner/First Secretary Development, Lavea’i Ioane gave the opening keynote speech at the Workshop.

Topics included digital transformation, free and low-cost business tools, AI for business, common cyber threats, and cost-effective ways to protect business data and reputation.

The workshop highlighted an important message: 𝗦𝗠𝗘𝘀 𝗱𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀. With the right knowledge, tools, and safe practices, businesses can strengthen their operations, reach more customers, and build resilience in the digital age.

As a Pacific-based SME, start your journey with BLP with our free online self-assessment tools. These tools help you diagnose areas for improvement in your business. BLP can then connect you with local BLP-approved advisors to develop your business. 👇🏽

🚶🏽‍➡️As a first step, you can create an SME account on the BLP Portal to use any of the free business assessment tools, like the Business Health Check: 🔗https://businesslinkpacific.com/ -toolkit

🤝🏽 Do you prefer to meet in person? Contact one of our Pacific in-country local partners who can discuss your needs and help you develop a business Diagnostic. Contact the BLP representative in your country: 🔗https://about.businesslinkpacific.com/countries/

DT Global New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

18/05/2026

🛒🎯A popular shopping hub in Port Moresby is the Unity Mall and Supermarket, a space that houses more than 100 SMEs and is collectively owned and operated by Papua New Guineans.

🚀Created as a social enterprise to support local SMEs grow from small beginnings to larger enterprises, Unity Mall and Supermarket provide a diverse range of local products and dining options, creating a vibrant and bustling environment that attracts locals and tourists alike.

🤝🏽BLP, with our partner, the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI), and the Unity Mall, has launched an initiative to raise awareness of BLP services among Unity Mall SMEs.

CEFI Gender Equity & Social Inclusion Coordinator Daisy Moses says a lot of the businesses at the mall are run by women. “The first ‘BLP Awareness’ session elicited strong interest from the SMEs group, and we plan to run the session monthly at the mall.”

“We then plan to start working alongside individual SMEs to help them take the next step to improving their business, including access to BLP quality-approved advisory and finance support,” she said.

BLP provides Pacific MSMEs with free business diagnostic tools, including the Business Health Check, Business Continuity Planner, Diagnostic Report, Climate Action Sensor, and Finance Finder.

💰The BLP Advisory Network offers finance and loan facilitation services and supports SMEs in accessing formal finance. BLP’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework measures BLP's impact - in Papua New Guinea, 224 local supported SMEs have reported over 20 million NZD in new investment, including formal loans. This includes SMEs that have received BLP subsidy, grant or concessionary loan support.

The partnership between Unity Mall, CEFI, and BLP is a practical initiative to help empower Unity Mall SMEs, including the many women-led businesses, to take the next step in their business evolution.

As a Pacific-based SME, start your journey with BLP with our free online self-assessment tools. These tools help you diagnose areas for improvement in your business. BLP can then connect you with local BLP-approved advisors to develop your business. 👇🏽

🚶🏽‍➡️As a first step, you can create an SME account on the BLP Portal to use any of the free business assessment tools, like the Business Health Check: 🔗https://businesslinkpacific.com/ -toolkit

🤝🏽 Do you prefer to meet in person? Contact one of our Pacific in-country local partners who can discuss your needs and help you develop a business Diagnostic. Contact the BLP representative in your country: 🔗https://about.businesslinkpacific.com/countries/

Lae Chamber of Commerce & Industry - PNG New Zealand High Commission, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade DT Global
,