K30m for new SME incubation centre

The National Government has allocated K30 million in the 2018 National Budget for the establishment of a Six-Mile SME Incubation Centre in Port Moresby.

This is the largest expenditure item earmarked for the Small and Medium Enterprise Corporation (SMEC) next year.

More than 100 retail shops will be built at the centre, giving SMEs the opportunity to provide their services in a properly-built centre.

The SME Incubation Centre will sit at the former location of the Six-Mile market.

Meanwhile, only K3 million (K2.989 million) has been allocated for SMEC’s Small Business Development Services.

The K3 million will go towards the National Business Development Services Transfer sub-program.

No appropriations however, has been made to the Know About Business and Facilitation of SME Development sub-programs. These provide training programs to aspiring SME owners.

Author: 
Cedric Patjole