"Growing MSMEs Is growing png"
WOMEN ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT CENTER (WEDC)
Rebranded from the former Garment & Textile Training Center (GTTC)
The redevelopment and rebranding
From GTTC to WEDC
The Department of Commerce and Industry through SME Corporation established the Women’s Garment and Textile Training Centre (GTTC) in Port Moresby in 2022. The facility has trained over 5,000 men and women in tailoring and textile-related skills in sewing, screen printing, designing, machine repair and various aspects of the trade.Â
By investing in women’s entrepreneurship, we can help to close the gender gap in business ownership and support the growth of women-led business. The SMEC in year 2019 embarked on a concept plan to upgrade the existing GTTC facility into a business incubation hub for women in the textile industry. The new hub will trigger economic empowerment of women in entrepreneurship through training and mentorship programs, access to funding and resources, and networking opportunities. The new training and business incubation hub will now be known as the Women Enterprise Development Centre (WEDC) is located at Section 53, Allotment 9 in the Gordons Industrial area. Since its establishment, the training facility’s focus was on skills training for women and men interested in tailoring and textile-related skills in sewing, screen printing, designing, machine repair and other related aspects of the trade.Â
The Regional BIC Program rollout in an initiative of SME Corporation consistent with the National Government’s SME Policy 2016 and Master Plan (2016-2030). The program will achieve Pilars 1 and 2 of Vision 2050 impacting Human Capital Development, Gender, Youth and People Empowerment in Wealth Creation, Natural Resource Development and Growth. The key objectives that SMEC wants to achieve in redeveloping the GTTC into a Business Incubation center for women in the garment & textile industry which is rebranded as Women Enterprise Development Centre (WEDC) include economic empowerment, gender equality, local industry development and market demand.
KEY OBJECTIVES FOR THE REDEVELOPED CENTRE
Women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship training and incubation programs is a powerful tool to create an equal society. Providing enabling tools and resources to start their own businesses will go a long way to promote women achieve financial independence, build self-confidence, and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
By investing in women’s entrepreneurship, we can help to close the gender gap in business ownership and support the growth of women-led businesses. This Women Enterprise Development Centre (WEDC) initiated by SME Corporation will empower women in entrepreneurship through:
1. Certificate I & II Sewing, Mending Machine, & SIYB Trainings and mentorship programs
2. infrastructure support through incubation program
3. Access to funding and resources and
4. Networking opportunities.
The incubation program has a business management and sustainability plan which includes detailed incubation budget, timeline for implementation and a database with metrics for measuring the success of the BIC program. By taking a data-driven approach, the business incubation program will ensure that our efforts are having a real impact on the lives of women entrepreneurs and their communities. The WEDC is intended to encourage active participation by women in the textile industry to meet increased local demand and to reduce imported garments and second-hand clothing.
SME Corpoartion
The GTTC
The Garment and Textile Centre is our second BIC project. This project will address the high levels of clothing imports by PNG from Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Currently, SME Corporation runs a Garment and Textile Training program focusing on women and a small male population in NCD.
The GTTC
In 2023, the program expanded to include inmates from Bomana Correctional Facility as part of their Rehabilitation Program.Â
The WEDC
SME Corporation has started revamping the Garment and Textile Training Centre located within Gordons Industrial precinct to transform it into a fully functional business incubation centre with increased capacity to meet the escalating demand for the garment and textile program.
Business Incubation Centers
The Services That Will be Provided WEDC
Access to Trainings
Have access to Trainings below:
- Garment & Textile sewing Training (6 months for Certificate I & 18 Months for certificate ll)
- Machine Repair Training (Duration of 3 months)
Access to Facility & Resources
Use of facility and recourses such as:
- Incubation hub
- Internet & Printing services
- Sewing machines
- Guidance from SMEC Trainers
Access to Funding & Finance
Access to funding and finance such as:
- Incentives from SME Corporation and other partners stakeholdersÂ
- Government K200m SME Grant at NDB and BSP through SMEC guidance
Access to Business Development Services
Business Development Services (BDS) such as:
- Start & Improve Your Business (SIYB) (2 weeks program)
- Business formalisation (Registration with IPA & IRC)
- Creating Networking Opportunities
numbers
Participants results
Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
SME Corporation is a government Agency under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and responsible for the MSME growth and development in Papua New Guinea (PNG) through various programs and projects.
There are two methods SME Entrepreneurship training is delivered.
- Flexible mode,
- Cluster groups;
- out of school to general MSMEs in an organized group.
- in school delivers to TVET and secondary schools.
To take part in the training provided by SME Corporation write to SME Corporation and express interest or enquire for more information.
To take part in the training provided by SME Corporation write to SME Corporation and express interest or enquire for more information
The K200 million SME funds funded by government, K100 million was given to BSP and K80 million was given to NDB.
BSP services its existing SMEs whilst NDB disburse loans to both existing and start-ups. All MSMEs are encouraged to enquire at BSP and NDB for more information.
The difference between Business Name (BN) and Company is that Business Name is a Sole Proprietor (Individual). It is simple to start, less expensive and more suitable for micro businesses. A BN is selected when carrying on a business under a name, no legal entity is created and there is no limitation on liability.
The Company Name is selected upon incorporation and creates a special legal entity, distinct from its owners.
Business Registration is done at Investment Promotion Authority (IPA)
After IPA registration, then register TIN with Internal Revenue Commission (IRC)