Comparing business notes, networking

Twenty-five entrepreneurial students from different provinces in Papua New Guinea were in Noosa last week to learn all about business, but their visit has left Noosa business owners in awe.
The group of 24 women and one man were game changers in a vast array of industries from agri-business to retail gas supply, fashion to hospitality, floral artistry to coffin manufacturing, international shipping and cocoa exporting and everything in between.
The 25 business owners and entrepreneurs, mostly parents, discussed the cultural differences between starting a business in PNG and Australia and shared their experiences in fighting against gender stereotypes and cultural restraints to achieve success in their chosen fields.
The students are currently studying a six-week course in business at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) sponsored by the Australian Awards PNG Fellowship and attended a seminar and networking lunch as part of their studies.
Held at The J on Thursday 22 June, the students heard from Powerhouse Collective founder Aimee Sherriff and Life Beyond 30 founder Wendy Wilson before sharing lunch with local female business owners at Padstows in Noosa Junction.
As founder of a business hub for working parents, Aimee said she was asked to speak about starting a business with the purpose of solving a social problem; a similar situation to many of the students’ current businesses or business ideas.
“What a blessed experience. These women felt inspired from our talks but it was they who were the inspiring ones. It was a privileged opportunity to meet with these women,” she said.
“Afterwards, we all had lunch together, and I was able to hear all about their businesses and how it was for them as women in business in PNG. It’s shown me that through the power of social media we can support and connect with women abroad in our neighbouring countries. I’ve made some amazing friends from this networking.”
Wendy said she was also inspired by the women and their stories, urging them to form social and business support groups like LB30 when they return home.
“To be asked to host these amazing women for the afternoon was an awesome opportunity, and we all got something out of the day,” she said. “I can’t wait to do it again.”
Wendy and Aimee said they both planned to stay connected to the students through social media to create a support network for their businesses.