TISA is partnering with PNG Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Connect (PNG IWEC) to

support local women entrepreneurs involved from micro/informal businesses to aspiring and

women-led businesses in PNG.

Under this partnership, TISA is providing funding support of K200,000 to PNG IWEC, a

pioneering social enterprise committed to empowering local women entrepreneurs across PNG

to support the rollout of its programs and initiatives to help all women.

“A lot of our womenfolk operate micro and informal businesses and need the support whether

it’s through information sharing, networking, access to markets and or funding to sustain and

grow their businesses,” said Michael Koisen, Group CEO for TISA.

“For TISA, this partnership aligns with our Purpose to help our people and communities

improve their wellbeing and our commitment to supporting local businesses whether it's

informal, micro, and or small businesses. Through this partnership and funding support, PNG

IWEC can successfully roll out its programs as well as reach and connect with our local women

entrepreneurs’ and their businesses,” said Mr Koisen.

The K200,000 support will enable PNG IWEC to provide tailored training programs for women,

establish key partnerships to support the growth of local women-led businesses and provide

a nurturing environment for the women in aspiring and micro/informal levels.

The first two initiatives that PNG IWEC has underway is the launching of its social insurance

for women to access and an economic development event hosted by Indigenous Women in

Industry in New Zealand (IWI) where 12 of our local women entrepreneurs will attend this

week.

Ms. Linda Paru, Founder/CEO of PNG IWEC stated “PNG IWEC, is thrilled to announce this

substantial platinum sponsorship from the TISA Group. The K200,000 sponsorship will greatly

support and enable the participation of PNG IWEC at the IWI Summit in Rotorua, New

Zealand, scheduled for February 8-9, 2024.

The IWI Summit anticipates over 400 Indigenous women in attendance, providing a unique

opportunity for networking, collaboration, and showcasing the talents and achievements of

Indigenous women entrepreneurs globally.

Ms. Linda Paru, along with 12 Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs (IWEs) and Mrs. Jacinta

Warakai-Manua, the Acting Secretary of the Department of International Trade and

Investment, will represent Papua New Guinea. The team looks forward to a successful

participation, contributing to the collective empowerment and advancement of indigenous

women worldwide.

This generous sponsorship from TISA Group underscores the commitment of both

organisations to empowering indigenous women in Papua New Guinea, fostering economic

independence, and providing a platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge

exchange.

Ms. Paru and her team showcased the impactful work of PNG IWEC during the World

Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) last October, where she was appointed as PNG’s IWI

Ambassador by the Founder/CEO of Rise Global Rachel Petero.

Expressing gratitude, Ms. Paru stated, "We are delighted to have TISA Group on board as a

key partner supporting our delegation to the IWI event as well as ongoing support for our

Social Insurance rollout in Papua New Guinea. Their commitment is a testament to the success

and visibility we gained through our participation in WIBF, where TISA Group was a platinum

sponsor. This sponsorship will enable us to represent Papua New Guinea with pride and

engage in valuable exchanges with indigenous women from around the world."

TISA Group has a longstanding commitment to corporate social responsibility, exemplified by

this sponsorship, which supports PNG IWEC initiatives promoting empowerment, inclusivity,

and cultural exchange.