Eight E-commerce grants of up to US$5,000 will be awarded to successful applicants following last week’s E-commerce training course uniting Pacific entrepreneurs from Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Aligned with the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap and implemented by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), the course aimed to empower businesses to thrive in the digital age.

During the workshop, around 66 entrepreneurs took the opportunity to discuss their visions for digital business in the Pacific, sharing insights and addressing misconceptions.

Dalida Borlasa from Yumi Up, a Vanuatu startup focussing on recycling services, said, “I found the E-commerce workshop very valuable because it taught me to create good relationships with customers who interact with my business online. I believe that the course will help me move forward with my business goals”.

Conducted simultaneously in Samoa, Vanuatu, and Tuvalu, the course leveraged technology for cross-border engagement. Live demonstrations by Pacific service providers, including Vodafone or Maua App, also enhanced the practical learning experience.

Reflecting on the workshop’s success, Marc Gerard, E-commerce trainer in Vanuatu, commented, “Most of the Pacific Islands are barely starting their digital transformation. Business opportunities are massive. Being an entrepreneur today in this context is exciting indeed, despite facing issues such as limited connectivity or payment solutions.”

Zarak Khan, PIFS Director of Programmes and Initiatives, says the rising demand for e-commerce training is demonstrating the growth of this sector across the region.

“The Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy aims to elevate our entrepreneurs, and this workshop is one of the practical initiatives to achieve that goal.”

Post-workshop, all participants now have the opportunity to apply for grants up to US$5,000, with two grants available in each country – Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Samoa, and FSM. Grant winners will receive coaching and ongoing support from the E-commerce experts. Regional support, though, does not end here.

The training programs have led to the creation of an online Community of Practice providing Pacific entrepreneurs with access to training material, resources, information, direct support from mentors and network support.