Gov’t-backed trampoline programme launches second cohort to boost digital entrepreneurs

June 19, 2025 10:36 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Adorina Massing.

The second cohort of the Trampoline online programme was officially launched at the Yumiwork co-working space on Wednesday, in partnership with the V-Lab office.

This innovative initiative is a joint effort between V-Lab and the IDEA Association, funded by the Government of Vanuatu through the Vanuatu Aid for Trade Management Unit (VAMU) and the Department of Communications and Digital Transformation (DCDT).

This marks the first time a government-supported programme of this kind has received substantial backing in Vanuatu, indicating a shift in the government’s engagement with the local entrepreneurial and digital innovation ecosystem.

V-LAB President Marc-Antoine Morel described the partnership as a major step for the organisation.

He said the support affirms the years of work V-Lab has put into assisting start-ups and entrepreneurs across the country and added that recognition from the Government means a great deal to both the organisation and the communities it serves.

The programme will run for 12 months and provide targeted mentorship and skills development to four newly selected incubees.

The incubees are Hayley Abbott, who operates Western Pacific Fishing and Trading in East Coast Santo; Audrey Ilaisa, who is developing a new local tourism company in Port Vila called Nakendiameck Tours and Transfers; Rummanick Mermer, who plans to build a software system aimed at improving the speed and efficiency of customs clearances; and Gordan Alick and his niece Rehab Saul, who are working on a transport app called ReGor. The app will allow passengers to call a bus and track its route via Google Maps, aiming to make public transport safer and more accessible.

Each incubee will be supported by dedicated V-Lab coaches throughout their training. The incubator model uses a dual approach: YumiWork trains the incubees in digital transformation, while V-LAB supports them in business management areas such as finance, human resources, and strategic planning.

Speaking on behalf of the government, DCDT Deputy Chief Information Officer John Jack congratulated the new incubees and commended V-LAB for its growing contribution to Vanuatu’s entrepreneurial space.

He acknowledged the results achieved through the programme, noting its potential to create jobs by supporting entrepreneurs to become service providers.

Jack said the Government sees the private sector as a key partner in economic development and remains committed to making digital transformation a central policy goal.

He also said he hopes the programme will encourage more entrepreneurs in future and create new opportunities for innovation and employment.

YumiWork President Marc Gerard also spoke during the launch, noting that entrepreneurs are essential drivers of economic growth.

He pointed out that while around 30 percent of economies globally are now digital, Vanuatu is currently at only about two percent. He said this shows a major gap, but also a large opportunity for growth.

Gerard recalled that the first digital incubator launched last year supported three incubees, who successfully received training, coaching, and funding.

The incubees will undergo monthly training sessions through Vanuatu IDEA, supported by funding to help them meet their goals. According to Gerard, the programme is expected to bring both direct and indirect benefits to economic development.

“We firmly believe that this initiative is on the right path. Based on the success of the previous cohort, we are confident it will lead to positive change in both the business sector and the wider community,” he said.