KINA Bank his supporting Rise PNG, a mentorship programme focused on empowering young women entrepreneurs.
Kina Bank chief executive officer and managing director Ivan Vidovich said that the bank was proud to support Rise PNG again this year because their work aligned strongly with the bank’s values.
“Investing in women and youth creates stronger families, communities, and a stronger economy,” he said.
Founder and director of Rise PNG Michelle Pillay said that Kina Bank’s continued partnership and support played a critical role in delivering practical, impactful programmes that equip young women with the confidence and tools to pursue their ambitions.
The programme connects students to mentors and provides practical learning experiences that help build confidence, life skills, and pathways into future careers and business opportunities.
At a recent workshop in Port Moresby, it brought together students from Tokarara, Marianville, and Gordon secondary schools.
The workshop focused on career exposure and entrepreneurship, introducing participants to a wide range of career opportunities across both conventional and technical or vocational pathways.
It also emphasised the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset encouraging the girls to recognise that they could start where
they were, with what they have, and begin building toward their aspirations.
A major highlight of the workshop was the launch of the mentees’ entrepreneurial journey.
The students were divided into eight groups of five, with each group receiving a K200 business loan from Kina Bank to start and manage their own small businesses through to their graduation in September 2026.
This hands-on experience provides valuable real-life application of the skills, lessons, and leadership principles developed throughout their Rise journey.
