SOLOMON ISLANDS: Upskilling for future business

Victor Nieto, Partner of E-VM Global Consulting believes in simplifying business processes in order to improve reporting, planning and cash flow. 

With a Master of Professional Accounting (RMIT University) and a Bachelor degree in Business Administration and Finance, Victor’s focus is on helping business owners in the Solomon Islands and the greater Pacific upskill and research their markets continuously in order to maximise opportunities.

Victor tells us all about how he got started in the Solomon Islands and why he went for his Certificate in Business Advisory Skills from Business Link Pacific.

Victor Nieto

I started the business in 2017 while living in the Solomon Islands. Because the Solomon islands is a relatively young country there is a lack of business information and training material on how to run an SME efficiently.

Focusing on performance and improvements I decided to set up a business that would help not-for-profits and SMEs with financial planning, reporting, and accountability,” says Victor.

With most of the population still relying on agriculture, fishing and forestry for all or part of their livelihoods, Victor believes there is a need for quality information and training on what to expect from operating a business in the Solomon Islands or working with the Government.

It is understood that 60% of the Government budget is spent through the procurement system (finding quality suppliers and businesses who have the capacity to provide quality goods to Government) but there are still many businesses who miss out on this opportunity because they do not understand the process of application.

Victor says programmes like Business Link Pacific and those run by the  Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry are essential for economic development as they work on certifying businesses who can supply the correct information and tools necessary for economic improvement.

Any old person can say they have the skills to improve cash flow or assist with government procurement processes but what SMEs really need is a reliable list of advisors who have the skill-set and experience to make things happen.

I believe that by having a process that verifies businesses like the BLP Certificate (in Business Advisory Skills) it takes away the risk of investing in business services,” says Victor.

Victor says the Certificate in Business Advisory Skills was a fantastic way to review his past successes but also work out where his skill-set could be improved, which is something he continually works on.

I believe that in order to be successful in business you need to understand what your problem areas are and work on improving them, continually search for new solutions and always look for new opportunities,” he says.

For Victor, he hopes the process of becoming a certified business advisor will bring him new opportunities to help SMEs in the Pacific reach their full potential.

If you’re interested in connecting with a BLP approved business advisor like Victor from E-VM Global Consulting to transform your business, there are a few ways you can access our services: 

• Use our free online essential business tools, Business Health Check and Business Continuity Planner to identify where there might be gaps in your business that could benefit from business advice. From there you can connect with a local business advisor. 
• Search our database of BLP approved business advisors to choose one that suits your needs. BLP approved advisors can get you access to subsidised services.

Contact your in-country representative to set up a one-to-one Business Diagnostic consultation.