Pacific businesses resilient amid Tauola funding challenges

Hundreds of targeted Pacific business funding applications have been declined as business owners strategise their next steps.

The Ministry for Pacific Peoples administers the Tauola Business Fund, which offers grants of up to $400,000 to promote productivity and create more jobs for Pacific people.

Out of 686 applications, only 48 were approved from a funding pool of $3.29 million.

Laura Keil-Hall, the co-founder of Pacific Business Hub, says missing out on the funding is a major blow.

"It was very disappointing and heartbreaking for us not to be considered for the funding, given the work that we do with businesses."

Keil-Hall says the funding is a “potential lifeline”, especially after the past year’s challenges, but she remains confident in their ability to adapt.

"To be in business, I always believe that you should be able to stand on your own two feet and be sustainable. Funding should be a bonus if you were to receive it."

John Tuamoheloa, the Deputy Secretary of Commissioning and Partnerships at MPP, says there is a high demand for limited funding and that a “rigorous evaluation process” is necessary.

“We understand that many strong applications were submitted, but the high volume of interest meant that not all could be supported. This does not reflect the value or potential of the businesses that were not selected.”

Looking ahead

Established in 2019, the Pacific Business Hub provides support and shared office space from its primary base in Auckland’s Manukau, with a second hub in New Lynn.

Keil-Hall says the rejection of funding is an opportunity to reset, refocus, and explore other options.

"We’ve had to pivot, taking things back to basics by closing the New Lynn hub and focusing on our Manukau Hub.

“Selling our home will help us tap into equity to move forward, but I still hope someone sees the value of our work and funds an office in New Lynn.”

The Pacific Business Hub in Manukau has shared office and co-working spaces for a range of businesses. Photo/Supplied

Her priority is to keep the business operational, hoping to expand its services beyond New Zealand.

"I've been wanting to build a hub in Sāmoa, and maybe this reset is the push we needed to make it happen.”

Community support

Keil-Hall has experienced “overwhelming” community support, with individuals like Dave Letele stepping in to help.

But she’s disappointed at the lack of outreach from other stakeholders.

Watch Laura Keil-Hall's full interview below.

"This is the time to come together, discuss our challenges, and collectively support the business community, but that’s not happening."

She encourages Pacific businesses to collaborate and says that people need to think outside the box during times like these.

“Imagine if we mobilise and we're supporting each other in business, where I'm paying for your services, you're paying for mine, so that money actually circulates in our own little Pacific economy.

"When we uplift each other, the flow-on effect to our communities is positive. Now is the time to come together and create opportunities for everyone."