By Everest Hala / Matangi Tonga
Business Link Pacific (BLP) is expanding support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tonga as private sector leaders gather for the Tonga National Business Conference 2026.
The two-day conference, organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour (MCCTIL) in partnership with the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), opened at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre today, Wednesday, under the theme ‘Charting New Frontiers for Tonga's Private Sector.’
The event has brought together government officials, business leaders, development partners and industry experts to discuss challenges and opportunities facing Tonga's economy, including access to finance, workforce development, labour mobility, logistics, innovation and digital transformation.
Speaker, BLP Pacific Regional Director Paul Westland, said the New Zealand-funded program was focused on strengthening local business ecosystems across Pacific Island countries, including Tonga.
BLP works closely with the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which serves as its key local partner, helping connect businesses with advisory services, grants and financial opportunities.
The program has established a network of more than 200 accredited business advisers across the Pacific, including eight advisers based in Tonga.
Support to local businesses
BLP has supported about 20 business advisory projects in Tonga valued at approximately $38,000 pa'anga and has distributed more than $196,000 NZD in grants to more than 30 local businesses.
Westland said the grants were designed to support long-term business growth rather than provide direct financial assistance alone.
"These grants are not just cash transfers. They come with advisory support to ensure businesses use the funding effectively and strengthen their long-term growth," he said.
The organization is also increasing access to finance through a new partnership with MBF Bank, which will establish a TOP$1 million lending facility for women-owned SMEs. They say there will be a formal launching of this initiative.
Under the scheme, eligible businesses will be able to apply for loans of up to TOP$50,000 while receiving support to develop business plans and prepare loan applications.
The announcement comes as businesses across the Pacific face growing uncertainty linked to rising fuel prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Fuel crisis
Westland said the fuel crisis has become a concern for businesses of all sizes, affecting operating costs, profitability and future planning.
A recent BLP survey of more than 600 businesses across Pacific countries found agriculture and tourism operators were among the sectors most exposed to fuel price increases because of their dependence on transportation and logistics.
Businesses were advised to prepare for continued volatility in fuel prices and supply conditions.
Small businesses raised concerns about rising operating costs, shrinking profit margins and difficulties meeting financial commitments.
"Businesses are struggling to plan when they don't know what fuel prices or customer demand will look like from one day to the next," Paul said.
He said BLP was encouraging businesses to strengthen resilience through continuity planning, energy-efficiency measures, climate-focused advisory services and closer engagement with financial institutions.
"Finance is not a privilege. It's a tool. The key is understanding how to use that tool effectively," he said.
The Tonga National Business Conference continues on Thursday with discussions expected on the government's 100-day plan and strategies to strengthen private sector growth and economic resilience.
