In the heart of Port Vila, just metres from the epicentre of the devastating December 17, 2024, earthquake, stands a small retail shop with a big heart – Pandanus Vanuatu.

The Pandanus store operated by Nicola Barnes is a space where local Vanuatu artists and crafts people can sell their products and a place which promotes products Made in Vanuatu.

From intricately woven pandanus baskets crafted by weavers in rural island communities to locally handmade jewellery designed in Port Vila, every item in the shop tells a story. The store also stocks spices, locally made body oils, unique designed sarongs, t-shirts, and aims to connect tourists and locals alike to Vanuatu’s rich cultural heritage and language.

“Each purchase made at Pandanus flows far beyond the shop walls,” says Nicola. “Sales help support families, sustain livelihoods, and uplift women across the islands.”

Nicola is also committed to providing employment opportunities to women, particularly those who haven’t completed high school, employment which helps to build confidence, retail and life skills. Before the earthquake, the shop employed two women staff members alongside Nicola. “It is more than just a retail space; it is a place of dignity, opportunity, and shared purpose.”

Then disaster struck.

The earthquake shook Port Vila violently. While the Pandanus building itself was not severely damaged, the building directly opposite leaned dangerously forward, blocking access to the shop. For nearly five months, Nicola and her staff were unable to enter their premises waiting for the unsafe structure to be demolished.

Time was critical. Tropical humidity threatened to destroy perishable stock through mould. Under police supervision, Nicola and her team carefully removed all items and relocated them to prevent further loss. Inside the damaged shop, marble shelves had shattered, stock was broken, and Nicola’s laptop lay smashed on the floor. The timing could not have been worse. The disaster hit just before the crucial Christmas trading period, resulting in significant financial losses. Relocating and re-establishing the business brought additional strain. Eventually, one staff member had to be made redundant a painful but necessary decision to keep the business afloat.

Yet even in hardship, hope emerged.

Hope emerged

Through the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nicola learned about the Rebuilding Port Vila Earthquake Grant. She applied, hoping for support to replenish lost and damaged stock and importantly provide cash flow to be able to continue the business. Her application was accepted. The grant, delivered through Business Link Pacific (BLP), became a turning point. BLP is a private sector development programme funded by the New Zealand government and delivered by DT-Global.

“I am extremely grateful to Business Link Pacific for their support to small businesses,” Nicola shared. “It helps us continue to employ staff and continue to make purchases that enable other women and other people in Vanuatu to benefit as well.”

Today, Pandanus Vanuatu stands not just as a retail shop, but as a symbol of resilience. The shop moved back to its original location in January 2026. With renewed stock lining the shelves once again, Pandanus has resumed its mission: purchasing locally made products, keeping income flowing to rural producers, and ensuring that women across Vanuatu continue to have economic opportunities. There is also a focus to expand the business to supply boutiques inside resorts, and Pandanus items are now for sale in two local resorts in Port Vila.

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.