EVIS RESORT – A Love Affair with the Solomon Islands
Andrew Granger’s love affair with the Solomon Islands began in a pub in Western Australia eight years ago where he met his future wife Gerbera, an auditor travelling on business. Before that fateful day, Andrew had never heard of the Solomon Islands, despite a lifetime of travel.
Over a drink or two, Andrew discovered Gerbera’s family owned land on Nono Lagoon, Nggatirana Island. Within a week – yes, a week – Andrew and Gerbera had formed a plan to build an eco-resort on the remote island, an hour’s flight from Honiara.
But life, as it turns out, is not that simple. Fast forward to today, and Andrew is stuck in Australia with visa issues while damage caused by rheumatic fever as a child eventually caught up with Gerbera and she tragically died last year. Andrew cares for his severely disabled stepson and has continued to develop the property with help from Gerbera’s brother. Andrew and Gerbera’s dream continues as strong as ever, having now built a life in the Solomons and invested heavily in their property, Evis Resort.
Back in 2020, Gerbera heard on the grapevine about BLP’s Adaptation Grant and convinced Andrew to apply. He was concerned their needs may not fit the requirements but applied anyway. Evis Resort survived Covid-19 with local tourism but has been hit hard by the recent riots restricting even limited travel around the Solomons.
The application process meant collating financial documentation and ensuring they ticked all the boxes. With Andrew’s experience in business and Gerbera’s accounting experience, together they were in good shape. Andrew notes bank funding is hard to come by for development in remote locations, and so the grant from BLP was a true boost, enabling redevelopment before borders reopen.
He states:
BLP’s funding massively helped the business, and so much is needed in the Solomon Islands. Business owners here are not even paying themselves; they are selling off small business assets to survive day to day. It’s fantastic that BLP is just there to help, no strings attached.”
The resort is heavily reliant on fuel which Andrew hopes to replace with solar which would significantly reduce operating costs. Comprising five units in the jungle and five on water, the grant from BLP was used to finalise refurbishment of unit 4 to the high standards required for the climate and for the foreign tourist market seeking premium accommodation in a remote and unspoilt environment.
The fully developed units are earthquake and cyclone proof, modern and highly engineered with a large overhang for the high rainfall and finished with tropical oak cladding. Motivated by the grant, Andrew committed further personal funds to the project which is now largely complete.
Thank you BLP – and New Zealand. The economic situation is so difficult, and your assistance is really appreciated. We are very proud of what we have achieved with your help.”
The Finance Facility enables access to capital for stabilisation, recovery and growth of viable but financially distressed businesses in the Pacific Islands due to the impact of COVID-19 on the regional economy.
The Facility opened applications to Business Adaptation Grants across eight Pacific Island countries in January and June 2021. Adaptation Grants have benefitted over 200 businesses to date, and Business Link Pacific is currently processing a similar number of grants to be disbursed before the end of the year.
To further support recovery and growth, Business Link Pacific is negotiating key partnerships with Financial Institutions to offer concessionary lending to small businesses in the region and will soon make information available on accessing those products. The Finance Facility also offers curated information about financial products for businesses on its free online tool, the Finance Finder; visit today to find out what is available to your business right now.