West Wind Ventures is a registered Tours and Transfers business owned and operated by Katsuhiro Philip and Nagarita Baea. For more than six years, the company has been providing reliable and professional marine transport and tourism services throughout the Western Province of Solomon Islands.
With the support of the New Zealand through the Business Link Pacific programme, West Wind Ventures was able to invest in essential marine safety equipment. The support has strengthened their compliance, improved their professional standing, and encouraged the company to compete for larger and more secure contracts.
Given the long distances they travel and the nature of their clients, including international tourists, NGOs, and Government-led organisations—meeting high safety standards at sea is critical. The BLP grant assistance enabled the business to acquire the necessary safety gear to meet strict contract requirements.
The business offers a wide range of services, including organised tours, island hopping day trips, cultural visits, fishing charters, day surfing trips, and general boat charters and excursions across the Western Province. Their commitment to quality service and local knowledge has earned them the trust of both domestic and international clients.
Starting on a small scale with just one boat and outboard engine, West Wind Ventures has grown steadily through dedication, hard work, and reinvestment of earnings. The addition of a second outboard and boat has significantly increased their operational capacity, allowing them to secure more bookings and expand their customer base.
BLP is a private sector development programme funded by the New Zealand government and delivered by DT-Global. In the Solomon Islands, BLP partner with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Solomon Islands Small Business Enterprise Centre to facilitate their programme.
For small businesses like West Wind Ventures, high operational costs often limit the ability to invest in important equipment and upgrades. This investment not only enhances passenger safety but also ensures the long-term sustainability and growth of West Wind Ventures in the tourism and travel industry.
BLP supports SMEs across 12 Pacific Island nations by connecting businesses with quality advisory services, business tools, grants, concessionary lending, and other financial services designed to support inclusive and resilient private sector growth.
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.