ILO, UNCDF, GGGI, ADB, UNDP and ygap joint event

Pacific Islands Entrepreneurship Expo

The Pacific Islands Entrepreneurship Expo serves as a dynamic platform where visionary entrepreneurs, strategic partners in business development, financial experts, and influential stakeholders converge with a shared goal: Fortifying the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the Pacific Islands.

Background

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) globally are responsible for between 60 to 70 per cent of all jobs and 50 per cent of GDP. Entrepreneurs in the Pacific are not only vital to the economy through supporting inclusive, resilient and sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurs are problem-solvers who drive innovation and push the boundaries of the status quo.

Entrepreneurs in the Pacific play an important role to play in addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, addressing issues such as unemployment and ‘brain drain’, while driving innovation and private sector development.

Objectives

Raising public awareness in the region that entrepreneurship is a viable and aspirational career choice, particularly for youth and women.
Improving visibility and access to finance for growth-ready startups and entrepreneurs by convening key decision-makers, financiers and investors in the region.
Showcasing innovations and business plans to investors and other interested stakeholders.
Providing a networking opportunity to connect enterprises with investors/financiers and like-minded businesses.
Encouraging policymakers to address barriers to ease of doing business and entrepreneurship.
Providing practical tools and information to upskill entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Demonstrating the high level of regional cooperation between roundtable development partners and their commitment to contribute to coherent and meaningful impact in the region.