BLP Resources

Below is a series of resources that you can download and use freely.

Access to finance and the impact of COVID-19 Report and resources 2022

Despite the global pandemic remaining a challenge for businesses across the Pacific Islands, new findings from BLP’s Pacific Island Financial Survey indicate some signs of stabilisation and improvement for small to medium-sized enterprises.

The data collected in the 2022 Financial Survey highlight that there has been a 46% reduction in the number of businesses reporting a decline in turnover (46% in 2022 Vs 86.3% in 2021) and a 43% reduction in businesses reporting a decline in profit (49% in 2022 vs 86.6% in 2021).

Most businesses surveyed (61%) also reported no change in employment numbers over the past 12 months, indicating some stabilisation in a very difficult business environment. 

While profit is still lower than before COVID-19, profitability seems to be increasing. Some of the reasons given for the increase in profit include a general increase in business (64.7%), new investment (33.8%), a direct or indirect result of COVID (27.9%), and the introduction of new technologies (26.4%). 

According to 50% of SMEs surveyed, they have seen improvement in their service or product offering in the last 12 months due to being able to offer new services and products to meet new market needs. Improvements reported included improved customer services, new technology, import substitution, improved visibility, and product quality. 

Support from Pacific Island governments continues to play a critical role in the recovery process, with 47.3% of businesses that are currently seeking finance reporting they are seeking government support. 69.4 % reported seekinging grants, 36%bank loans and 46.9%of respondents reported seeking financial support through BLP.

The percentage of SMEs who said they had sought finance over the past 12 months increased from 34% in the 2021 survey to 41% in 2022.

One message from the SME sector remains loud and clear; the need for financial and business support is huge with a wide range of finance options being sought by SMEs.

Download the full Covid Report 2022 here: Access to Finance and the Impact of COVID-19 Report 2022 public access.

Covid Report. Infographic #1: Financial Services/ Download a PDF version to share with your networks

Covid Report. Infographic #2: Business Impact / Download a PDF version to share with your networks\

Covid Report. Infographic #3: Service Needs / Download a PDF version to share with your networks

Covid Report. Infographic #4: Tech Trends / Download a PDF version to share with your networks

Covid Report. Infographic #5: Human Resources / Download a PDF version to share with your networks   

Covid Report. Infographic #6: COVID Impact/ Download a PDF version to share with your networks   

Covid Report. Infographic #7: COVID Response/ Download a PDF version to share with your networks   

Access to finance and the impact of COVID-19 Report and resources 2021  

In May and June 2021, BLP surveyed over 500 small business owners across 13 Pacific Island Countries. We wanted to hear from SMEs the extent of the impact of COVID-19 on their business, to identify what support is currently available and to learn the strategies that SMEs have employed to survive.

Our full report for 2021 has more details and interesting insights from the Pacific Islands Financial Survey.

Download the full Covid Report 2021 here: Access to Finance and the Impact of COVID-19 Report 2021 public access

Covid Report. Infographic #1: Financial Services/ Download a JPG version to share with your networks

Covid Report. Infographic #2: Business Impact / Download a JPG version to share with your networks

Covid Report. Infographic #3: Assistance / Download a JPG version to share with your networks

Covid Report. Infographic #4: Tech Use / Download a JPG version to share with your networks

Covid Report. Infographic #4: Tech Use / Download a JPG version to share with your networks

Covid Report. Infographic #5: Human Resources / Download a JPG version to share with your networks   

COVID-19 Resources for businesses

You can download below our series “Don’t Panic! Infographics” filled with helpful tips and advice to consider when thinking about business continuity – all of which can be implemented with the help of a local business advisor.

• Connect with a BLP approved business advisor by searching through our database for an advisor that suits your needs.

Don’t Panic! Infographic #1: Planning & Clients / Download a JPG version to share with your networks.

Don’t Panic! Infographic #2: Operations & Finances /Download a JPG version to share with your networks.

Don’t Panic! Infographic #3: Communication & People / Download a JPG version to share with your networks.

 Access to finance and the impact of COVID-19 Report and resources 2020

In mid-2020, BLP surveyed 361 small and medium-sized businesses across 8 Pacific Islands to understand COVID-19’s impact on this sector and to identify the services that SMEs regard as solutions to overcome the current crisis.

Download the full Covid Report 2020 here: Download the full report here

Covid Report. Infographic #1: Full Report / Download the full report here

Covid Report. Infographic #2: Finance services / Download a JPG version to share with your networks

Covid Report. Infographic #3: Impact / Download a JPG version to share with your networks

Covid Report. Infographic #4: Strategies to cope / Download a JPG version to share with your networks

Covid Report. Infographic #5: Tech usage / Download a JPG version to share with your networks