V-Lab kicks off 2025 with innovative business programmes

February 23, 2025 10:28 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now Twitter Facebook

By Ezra Toara & Julia Charley.

As 2025 begins, V-Lab is launching new initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Vanuatu.

Programme Coordinator Torika Kalman shared that since its establishment, V-Lab has developed various programmes to support young people. This year, three key programmes are currently underway.

One of these programmes, GROW, is a resilience-focused initiative launched last year in partnership with World Vision Vanuatu and funded by the European Union (EU). The programme empowers youth and mothers in local communities, helping them develop businesses, particularly in agribusiness. Given Vanuatu’s vulnerability to natural disasters like cyclones, GROW encourages participants to think beyond traditional farming by adding value to their crops. This approach boosts food security and economic resilience, ensuring families can sustain themselves during crises.

Since its launch, GROW has worked with over 100 women and youth, including 50 participants in 2024 and another 50 in 2025—half from Efate and half from the Teouma to Etas areas. The programme is expected to conclude in August 2025.

Kalman mentioned V-Lab’s support for community-led initiatives, particularly small groups aiming to start their own projects. Through grant assistance, these groups have been able to launch businesses. One such group, IMAIO, is a well-known organisation on Facebook that focuses on community-driven projects. Currently, IMAIO is working in Ohlen, engaging youth in sustainable backyard gardening. Their initiative involves distributing seeds to encourage families to grow nutritious vegetables at home, improving household food security. IMAIO will officially launch its first activity in Ohlen today as part of this initiative.

Another exciting initiative is Canoe Race, a first-of-its-kind Vanuatu TV reality show that has garnered attention on Facebook and TikTok. In partnership with Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation, the show features local entrepreneurs competing in business challenges, with the winner receiving VT1 million. Kalman confirmed that the first episode of the show premieres today, aiming to encourage young entrepreneurs to step out of their comfort zones. She noted that cultural barriers often prevent Ni-Vanuatu from confidently presenting their business ideas in public, and this platform seeks to change that mindset.

The third major programme running is Islander Global, which supports Vanuatu businesses ready to export. Currently, five businesses are receiving assistance in packaging, labelling, certification, and market access in Australia, New Zealand, and other international markets. The goal is to promote Vanuatu-made products and elevate them to export-quality standards. This initiative is supported by the Department of Industry and funded by the Australian Government to strengthen the country’s export sector.

Founded five years ago, V-Lab is a locally-led, non-profit organisation committed to empowering Ni-Vanuatu entrepreneurs. Kalman emphasised that the organisation focuses heavily on capacity building, providing essential skills and knowledge to help individuals manage and sustain their businesses.

With these initiatives, V-Lab continues to play a pivotal role in driving innovation, economic resilience, and entrepreneurship across Vanuatu.