Facebook X-twitter Linkedin Youtube
    contact us

    Six Niuean entrepreneurs receive boost for e-commerce growth

    ALOFI, Niue – The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), in partnership with the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), is pleased to announce the selection of six Niuean small businesses to receive e-commerce coaching and grant support valued at a total of AU$45,000.

    The program’s official launch was marked by a virtual kickoff meeting on 3 July 2025 (Niue time), kicking off Phase 2 of the PIFS E-Biz Plus Program in Niue.

    PIFS Director of Programmes and Initiatives, Mr Zarak Khan highlighted, “This phase builds on last year’s foundation, where we equipped businesses with essential e-commerce tools and training. We’re now investing in six promising Niuean entrepreneurs to help accelerate their growth online, supporting the vision of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap.”

    Niue Vanilla International, a privately owned Niuean family business, is one of six businesses to receive e-commerce coaching and grant support.

    One of the selected businesses is Niue Organic Farmers Associations (NIOFA). “At NIOFA, we’re passionate about organic farming and sharing sustainable practices with our community, especially the next generation. Our goal is to educate, inspire, and open pathways to overseas markets through storytelling and digital outreach.” Jamal Talagi, Head of NIOFA said, “We’re truly grateful for this opportunity, which will help us strengthen our message, grow our visibility, and promote Niue’s unique values to the world.”

    Apart from NIOFA, the selected businesses represent a diverse and dynamic cross-section of Niue’s economy:

    • Niue Vanilla International – A small family business producing quality Niue vanilla, and seeking to expand reach and improve access for overseas customers through website upgrade and establishing a mirror site, to help with overseas payments and better promote Niue.
    • Mrs Sena’s Crafts – A creator of authentic Niuean handicrafts like hats, earrings and mats. Through the program, the business plans to rebrand to build a legacy, on that shares the story of their journey. Additionally, the businesses seek to obtain strategic marketing support capitalising on its social media presence.
    • Ebony Carvings – A maker of handcrafted wood jewellery and artistic carvings, with a goal to grow the business and expand its reach in the handicraft sector through its social media platforms.
    • Lupe Niue – Lupe Niue is planning to launch an online store to make products like banana chips more accessible and boost direct sales to customers.
    • Bohnz Infotech – An emerging provider of electronics and IT services, planning to formally its services, through establishing a retail outlet and online platforms, and implementing strategic marketing strategies.

     

    PPIU provided AU$100,000 to support Phase 2 of the PIFS E-Biz Plus program, involving e-commerce coaching and grant scheme in Niue. This project builds on previous joint efforts between PPIU and PIFS to support Pacific businesses in the digital economy, following the successful rollout of Phase 1 of the PIFS E-Biz Plus program in Vanuatu, Tonga, and Niue in 2024, involving the development of e-commerce business toolkits and training workshops.

    “At the heart of PACER Plus is a commitment to inclusive economic growth across the Pacific,” said Dr. Alisi Holani, Trade in Services and Investment Adviser and Labour Mobility Specialist. “We’re proud to support Niue’s small businesses in embracing digital tools that allow them to compete beyond their shores, reduce trade costs, and improve profitability.”

    PACER Plus, a unique regional trade agreement between Niue, seven Pacific Island countries, Australia, and New Zealand, was designed to drive economic growth and improve the livelihoods of Pacific peoples. For Niue, PACER Plus represents access to a broader market, targeted development assistance, and a platform for economic resilience in an increasingly connected world.

    Through this next phase of the PIFS E-Biz Plus, these six MSMEs will receive personalised coaching and financial assistance to help them grow their businesses and tap into new opportunities in the digital economy.

    -ENDS-

    More articles like this one