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Pacific Business Village

Pacific Business Village

The Pacific Business Village initiative was launched in Tauranga by the Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio on 29 April 2022.

The initiative has been established to support sustained growth in the Pacific business sector and to provide a strategic framework for long-term economic development for Pacific business in the regions outside of Auckland.

The Ministry will work with Pacific business communities to provide greater accessibility to business support services and support Pacific business communities into operating sustainably, alongside recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.

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Central to the operation of the Village and creating a Pacific circular economy, are the following funding components: 

  1. Pacific Business Network (Networks) - The Networks will hold responsibility for identifying, coordinating and connecting with Pacific businesses within their respective regions. Networks will partner Pacific businesses with local Pacific Business Providers to support their development and capability.
  2. Pacific Business Providers (Providers) - Providers, including Pacific Business Trust (PBT), will work with Pacific businesses to build their capability and expertise. Services will be localised where possible and will be tailored to meet the needs of Pacific businesses.
  3. Pacific Businesses - Direct investment will go to Pacific Businesses to develop practical business nous and be supported to accelerate their growth, capability, and capacity. Ease of access to culturally appropriate support services will enable Pacific businesses to develop their resilience and operate sustainably in the long-term.

Tauola Business Fund

A key priority of the Pacific Business Village will be the Tauola Business Fund, providing direct investment into businesses to accelerate their long-term growth, and assist with the economic recovery from the impact of COVID-19.

The Fund provides up to $100,000 grants to support existing small and medium sized businesses in the regions outside of Auckland to create immediate employment, stimulate growth, increase productivity, and ensure Pacific businesses thrive in response to the impacts of COVID-19.