Graduates from the School of Business and Tourism, SINU staff, representatives from YECSI and representatives from MCT posed for a group photo following the successful launching of the Launchpad initiative.
Press Release
17 September 2025ย
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU), the Young Entrepreneurs Council of Solomon Islands (YECSI), and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) on Tuesday, 16 September, officially launched the Launchpad Initiative at SINU.
The initiative follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the three stakeholders in late August, marking the beginning of a new partnership to support youth entrepreneurship in the country.
Speaking at the launch, YECSI Chairman Mr. Limahl Totogi thanked MCT and SINU for their collaboration and commitment to advancing youth innovation.
โYECSI was established in 2018 to guide young entrepreneurs to create jobs for themselves and their peers. Through the Launchpad Initiative, we are taking another step forward, supporting young tourism graduates from SINU to transform their creative ideas into businesses,โ Mr. Totogi said.
He commended the national government, through MCT, for supporting YECSIโs vision to empower young people and tackle the growing issue of unemployment in the country.
Under the Launchpad Initiative, SINU graduates will undergo a five-week mentorship program designed to inspire and equip them to start their own businesses. At the end of the program, participants will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges, with four winners each receiving a grant of $40,000 to kickstart their ventures.
MCT Permanent Secretary Mr. Bunyan Sivoro encouraged graduates to seize the opportunity.
โThe program presents a chance for young people to turn their dreams into reality. Our tourism sector needs innovators who can create experiences that visitors will enjoy. Be bold, be original, and believe in your ideas, the growth of your business will depend on your determination, creativity, and commitment,โ Mr. Sivoro said.
He also acknowledged the role of SINU, YECSI, and the mentors who will guide participants over the next five weeks, urging students to โmake their entrepreneurial dream count.โ
SINU Pro Vice Chancellor Corporate, Dr. William Parairato, described the initiative as a step in the right direction.
โSINU has invested so much in young people. To see an initiative like this supporting our graduates to take the next step and become entrepreneurs is very encouraging. We are proud to see our School of Business and Tourism graduates take part and wish them the best in their mentorship training,โ Dr. Parairato said.
The mentorship program officially began yesterday following the launch, marking the start of a journey where young graduates will be empowered to create business solutions and contribute to the growth of the Solomon Islands economy.
ENDS//