Business Luncheon on Transport Matters

05 May 2012

PIPSO Leads Workshops on Small Business Finance

17 April 2012

Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO) commenced a week-long program of small business finance workshops last Thursday 13th April at Iron Bottom Sound Hotel. The first workshop was a two day introductory course offered free of charge and exclusively to members of Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA) and Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI). The course was facilitated by Casey Morecroft, ANZ Financial Advisor to PIPSO, who offered more than seven years of experience on topics such business planning, accounting concepts, cash flow and how to access and manage loans as a small business. 

Twenty eight SIWBA and SICCI members representing various Honiara businesses were in attendance.  

The workshop provided a much needed opportunity for business owners in the Solomon Islands that have previously had little to no experience in managing the finances of a business. SIWIBA President and SICCI Board Member, Julie Haro said, “the workshops are a rare opportunity for business owners in the Solomon Islands. For many of us starting a business means jumping in the ocean and learning to swim.”

The workshop gave practical advice on how to manage business finances when faced with common problems. These problems range from separating business and family finances to managing risks like suppliers failing to provide products essential to the operations of a business. “Casey has presented attendants with an excellent delivery on issues that really matter by addressing some of the day to day challenges of running a small business in the Solomon Islands”, Haro said. 

An intermediate course began yesterday Monday 16th April and will run over three days concluding on Wednesday the 18th April. Thanks goes to PIPSO and ANZ Bank for sponsorship of these valuable workshops.