V-Lab launches Partners Day to boost small business growth
April 20, 2026 11:21 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Nicholas Mwai.
A new platform aimed at strengthening collaboration and supporting small business development was launched last week, with V-Lab hosting its first Partners Day on 17 April.
The inaugural event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including business houses, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), government departments and private sector representatives. It marked a step toward building a more connected business support network in Vanuatu.
Designed to link V-Lab’s incubated small businesses, known as “Incubees”, with key service providers, the initiative created opportunities for entrepreneurs to access support while forming partnerships.
Participants had direct access to representatives from multiple sectors, allowing them to better understand available services, from regulatory processes to improving daily operations. The event also provided a networking space for small business owners to engage with potential partners and advisers.
A major feature of the day was the availability of on-site services, allowing entrepreneurs to take immediate steps in formalising their businesses. Incubees were able to register business names, apply for licences and industrial permits, and explore tailored business packages offered by telecommunications provider Vodafone.
Organisers described the event as a success, pointing to the hands-on support and direct engagement that helped address common challenges faced by small businesses while encouraging growth and innovation.
V-Lab plans to make Partners Day a regular event, with sessions expected two to three times a year. The initiative is expected to play a role in strengthening the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and improving access to essential business services.
The launch of Partners Day reflects growing recognition of collaboration as a driver of sustainable business development, particularly for emerging entrepreneurs seeking to establish themselves in a competitive market.
