Sixty- six (66) local entrepreneurs from the Naewab District of Morobe Province graduated from a two-week business training on Friday 18th October 2024 to empower them with skills and knowledge to grow their tourism business in the district. The individuals completed their training program under the "Start Your Own Business" (SYB) initiative. The training was facilitated by the Small & Medium Enterprise Corporation (SMEC) in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), as part of an effort to boost local tourism businesses across the country. The participants are from the Local Level Governments (LLGs) of Labuta, Nabak, and Wain Erap. They were awarded certificates for their commitment to enhancing their entrepreneurial skills. The main goal of the SYB program is to provide prospective and current tourism business owners with the necessary knowledge and skills to support future tourism ventures that will support economic growth and cultural preservation in Naewab. The curriculum covers business planning, record-keeping, basic accounting, marketing, and product management. All of which are intended to strengthen sustainable tourism development in the region. The training is in line with the TPA's Tourism Sector Development Plan (TSDP) 2022-2026, which places a strong emphasis on the expansion of tourism-related Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) throughout PNG. Through yearly training sessions, TPA has set a goal of reaching 1, 000 tourism MSMEs by 2026, with the goal of growing the SME sector to 500, 000 by 2030. The training is expected to lead to the creation of new, sustainable tourism businesses, with many participants already showcasing ideas that could become successful ventures. To ensure the longevity and success of these businesses, TPA will continue to support participants by providing grants and guiding them through its newly established business incubation center. Additional management training, including specialized skills in marketing and product development, will also be offered to further assist these new business owners in navigating the complexities of running a tourism enterprise. Beyond business development, the program is also committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Naewab District. Tourism ventures born from this initiative will not only contribute to the local economy but also help sustain traditional practices, arts, and crafts that are integral to the district’s cultural identity. TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo commended the participants and highlighted the importance of the participants to explore business ideas that utilize realistic resources available in their local communities. "The focus of this training is not just on theoretical knowledge but on empowering participants with practical skills they can apply immediately.” “We want to see these entrepreneurs create sustainable tourism businesses that will contribute to the economic development of their communities.” “By aligning these efforts with our Tourism Sector Development Plan, we are ensuring that this initiative directly supports our national goals.” “We plan to conduct four training sessions every year to give more entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed in the tourism industry.” Uvovo also added that TPA plans to offer follow-up training to further enhance the participant’s skills. “There will be future trainings conducted under the "Improve Your Business" (IYB) module, which will help existing businesses refine specific skills and further their development. Through these ongoing efforts, TPA and SMEC are both dedicated to promoting a strong and sustainable tourism industry that will benefit both entrepreneurs and their communities for years to come.”