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Business Resilience Training for Small Business Owners in Shefa and Tafea Province, Vanuatu

Selected rural agriculture and tourism operators in Shefa and Tafea Province underwent a three days Business Resilience Training hosted by the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and Vanuatu Business Resilience Council (VBRC) with support through the Mobilizing Vanuatu Private Sector towards Climate Action – Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Project. A representative from the project’s delivery partner, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), was also present to support the training.

The 3-day training was held at the Apera Bungalow for the Tafea Province from September 2-4, and at the Saama AOG Church Community Hall for the Shefa province from September 16-18, with facilitators from the VCCI and a repatriated training consultant who joined virtually from Australia.

The training supported participants to develop and grow their business and prepare for and reduce risk from natural disasters and climate change, while also strengthening community and family ties. Participants were able to directly apply the concepts and tools learnt to their current experience with the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to the ongoing experience with the increased volcanic activity at Mt Yasur on Tanna island.

The training is based on the Vanuatu Business Resilience Training Handbook and Toolkit, which are due to be published shortly. The handbook and toolkit are targeted at small business owners across the country and will be available on the VCCI website. A launch is expected to take place later this year.

Other provinces have expressed their need for similar trainings, and this is planned for the next phase of the project.

Any operators interested in participating in the second provincial trainings for Tafea from October 14-16, 2020 can write to gcfprogram.assistant@gmail.com to reserve a spot.