The Pacific Greenpreneurs Accelerator Program, a pioneering initiative implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) with support from the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), achieved a significant milestone with its highly successful Investor Pitch event. On Thursday, June 22nd, 2023, nine locally owned enterprises presented their innovative green business ideas virtually and in-person to a panel of esteemed judges.
The Investor Pitch event, hosted by GGGI’s implementing partner in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Emstret Space (PNG’s first co working space and leader of remote working), marked a key moment for the Pacific Greenpreneurs Accelerator Program. It provided a platform for promising entrepreneurs to showcase their sustainable business concepts and seek financial support. The event brought together a diverse range of entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts who witnessed the passion, creativity and determination of the participants.
Out of the nine business pitches, two emerged victorious. Mr. Jonathan Inapelo of Daulo Commodities Cooperatives Society Limited, a sustainable agribusiness based in Goroka, and Ms. Esther Sione Daniels of Te’hine Trend, a sustainable fashion enterprise based in Kavieng, impressed the judges with their inspiring visions and strong business acumen, each winning an all-expenses-paid trip to Fiji, where they will represent Papua New Guinea Greenpreneurs in the Regional Accelerator Pitch or ‘Demo Day’ in August as part of a two-day event celebrating Pacific entrepreneurship, where they will have the chance to network with industry leaders and showcase their business ideas on an international stage.
“We are thrilled with the outcomes of the Investor Pitch event, which showcased the immense potential of local entrepreneurs in the Pacific region,” stated Saki Tuisolia, Country Representative, Global Green Growth Institute. “The upcoming Regional Demo Day in Fiji will open doors to exciting opportunities for Jonathan, Esther, and all the participants, allowing them to attract investmet and bring their sustainable business ideas to fruition. We are proud to be a part of their journey.”
“The Investor Pitch event was an inspiring display of entrepreneurial talent and green innovation that we continue to foster at the Emstret Space coworking hub,” said Ms. Vani Nades, Chief Executive Officer of Emstret Holdings Limited. “We congratulate Jonathan Inapelo and Esther Sione Daniels on their impressive pitches and wish them success in Fiji. The Pacific Greenpreneurs Accelerator Program is committed to supporting and nurturing such exceptional entrepreneurs who are driving positive change in their communities.”
The Pacific Greenpreneurs Accelerator Program continues to provide support targeted capacity-building initiatives, mentorship, and access to financial resources to all nine PNG pitch finalists, alongside their peers from Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga and Vanuatu. These entrepreneurs are in the running to receive repayable grants of up to USD 50,000, enabling them to scale their businesses and implement sustainable solutions in their respective industries.
A key initiative of the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network, by supporting high-growth potential green enterprises to reach their potential, the Accelerator program aims to accelerate the transition to a greener, more sustainable Pacific region.
For more information about the Pacific Greenpreneurs Accelerator Program, and the upcoming Regional Demo Day, please visit https://www.pacificgreenpreneurs.com/ or contact space@emstret.com
About Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI):
Based in Seoul, GGGI is an intergovernmental organization that supports governments of developing countries to transition to a model of economic growth that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. GGGI delivers programs in over 40 partner countries with technical support, capacity building, policy planning & implementation, and by helping to build a pipeline of bankable green investment projects. More on GGGI’s events, projects, and publications can be found on www.gggi.org. You can also follow GGGI on Twitter and join us on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
About Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD):
Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) is a Qatari public institution committed, on behalf of the State of Qatar, to implement foreign aid projects by international best practices and standards.
Since 2012, QFFD has been providing aid to many countries in accordance with the international cooperation goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. Its primary goal is to achieve inclusive and sustainable development by addressing global priority issues in education, health, and economic development. In this context, priority is given to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
1. SDG 3: “Ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all”;
2. SDG 4: “Ensuring fair and inclusive education for all and enhancing lifelong learning for all”;
3. SDG 8: “Promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and keeping full and productive employment and decent work for all.”
To realize the optimal development impact, QFFD projects are also designed to have cross-cutting co-benefits within SDG (2) on “Zero hunger” and SDG (6) on “Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” in addition to SDG (17) on “Partnerships to Achieve Goals.”
QFFD cooperates with many reputable actors through strategic partnerships both locally and internationally. These include Civil Society Organizations, government agencies, UN agencies, and the private sector.
About Emstret Space:
Emstret Space is creating an inclusive innovative ecosystem for entrepreneurs’ development and empowerment in Papua New Guinea. It is the first creative and innovative ideas in PNG creating open fun working space. Its aim is to provide solutions for young energetic entrepreneurs, start-ups assisting with resources, with ideal office and workspace. At the same time connecting freelancers, mentors, entrepreneurs, startups, professionals, artists, and SMEs together.
Emstret Space is an exciting work environment, planned purposely with innovators in mind and tailored to provide entrepreneurs and startups not just what they want, but what they need.