Roylex Sitana, the owner of Smart Technology, started his tech business on Tandai Highway in Honiara, in the Solomon Islands with a clear mission: to make quality technology more accessible to everyday Solomon Islanders. From mobile phones and laptops to Starlink internet kits and solar power stations, Smart Technology offers tools that help people stay connected, work better, and live smarter.
Like many small businesses, Smart Technology had a good business idea but struggled with cash flow problems. Getting a loan from a commercial bank was difficult, and the risk felt too high without the right support. Roylex wanted to grow—but didn’t have the financial backing to take the next step.
In 2023, things changed when Smart Technology accessed support from Business Link Pacific (BLP). Through their Concessional Loan Equity Facility, Roylex was able to secure a loan from the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI)—a loan he wouldn’t have qualified for before.
With this support, Roylex was able to buy more stock, add new product lines, and set up a proper point-of-sale system to manage sales more effectively. The loan also helped build trust with the bank, opening the door for future growth.
“Innovation starts with understanding the needs of our people. I’m driven to create tech solutions that directly improve how Solomon Islanders live and work,” says Roylex.
Now, Smart Technology is doing more than just selling gadgets—it’s helping people across the country access the tools they need to improve their lives. Roylex’s next goal is to bring more practical tech solutions to the 80% of Solomon Islanders who live in rural areas, where digital tools and services are often out of reach.
Smart Technology’s story shows what’s possible when a small business is given the right support at the right time. With confidence, purpose, and the right partnerships, even a small enterprise can make a big difference.
BLP facilitates access to business advisory services and financial support. To start your journey with BLP, you can self-assess your needs by using the free online tools available to help small- and medium-sized businesses diagnose areas in their businesses that an advisor could improve.
The first step can be the online Business Health Check. You can also check your business’s resilience to respond to crises or climate change challenges on the Business Continuity Planner and the Climate Action Sensor. If you prefer to meet a local BLP representative in person to discuss your business, get in touch with our local partners to arrange a face-to-face Diagnostic.