KIRIBATI: BLP Network of Business Advisors is expanding!
Kanaan learned about Business Support Grants available to SMEs through BLP from Bweman Tong, BLP’s Business Service Manager in Kiribati. He quickly realised the difference this could make to his business, so he promptly applied online for a grant to purchase a generator. This generator would ensure continuous power supply to his laundromat during the frequent outages in Kiribati. With nearly 1000 weekly customers relying on his service, it is crucial to maintain uninterrupted power.
He found the application process relatively straightforward and “less difficult than most loan applications”. Businesses applying for a grant or subsidised advice must satisfy at least one of BLP’s five categories and, as Kanaan quickly realised, “must clearly demonstrate the specific business case. It is essential to do this to convince BLP of why you need the grant and how it will help your business get somewhere. The impact on the operation is very important.”
As with many other countries supported by BLP, language is a significant barrier to accessing available support. Kanaan states, “The problem in Kiribati is that many people can’t articulate their needs very well, and they need a lot of help with that. That’s something advisors like me can really help with.”
Kanaan does just that in his role as a BLP approved business advisory service provider. Once your business needs have been established, he can assist with documentation and the online application process for the support needed. Using an advisor like Kanaan removes the language barrier when articulating how your business will benefit from the support. The type of support most useful to Kanaan’s clients is BLP’s subsidised business advice. It makes the service offered more affordable for clients who may be put off by the cost of engaging a professional without fully understanding its long-term benefits.
The IT assistance provided by Kanaan at Profound Enterprises covers a wide range of expertise. This includes setting up systems, developing and managing websites, establishing databases, cybersecurity, and e-commerce, as well as helping with technical applications. Many businesses in Kiribati and other Pacific countries operate without a website, limiting their opportunity to market and sell online. Similarly, many businesses do not have adequate IT systems to enable efficient operation or databases to improve client communication.
These business improvements fall very neatly into the “innovation” category of business support offered by BLP where businesses are supported with projects that drive new products or services, including upgrading operating systems and other digital transformations such as improved online presence.
Kanaan is passionate about helping people in Kiribati who may be afraid to apply for assistance because of their language skills or because of their perception of the cost of advisory services. Working with Kanaan or any other advisors in the BLP Network will improve your business’s chances of success.
Does your business in Kiribati need expert IT support? Kanaan Ngutu is here to help: https://businesslinkpacific.com/search/profound-enterprise
To determine whether your project is eligible for subsidised advice or a Business Support Grant, visit BLP’s website: https://about.businesslinkpacific.com/project-eligibility/
BLP is working hard to extend the number of advisors and the range of services available to businesses in Kiribati. To find out about becoming an advisor, visit: https://about.businesslinkpacific.com/the-business-advisor-network/