Supported by Australia, fifteen finalists in the annual Lily Magazine Homemade Competition have just completed a week of intensive business development training in Port Moresby city. The training, which included practical lessons and tips on key business skills such as budgeting, financial management and marketing, is being followed by eight weeks of tailored mentoring. Among the finalists undertaking the training is Ms. Julie Rereve from Bougainville, who is transforming cocoa, coffee, tea, and coconut oil into natural hair dye. She said the insights she gained on pricing and budgeting provided her a ‘golden opportunity to upgrade her business.’ Among the other finalists is Ms. Regina Varaosi from Alotau, who developed herbal soaps under the business name 28 Essence Natural Products to help those in her community struggling with skin ailments. “There were so many things that I was not aware of.” “This training is really equipping us with everything we need to scale our business.” She singled out what she has learned about financial management and annual budgeting as key takeaways that will help her ‘plan ahead so that she can avoid risks.’ Furthermore, Australia is committed to working with Papua New Guinea partners to support a vibrant micro, small and medium enterprise (MSMEs) sector through initiatives such as the Lily Magazine Competition to help transform innovative ideas into thriving enterprises that add to the diversity and resilience of the PNG economy.