Suva, Fiji – 4 July 2025 – Six small businesses from Niue have been selected to receive e-commerce coaching and AUD 7,500 in grant funding as part of the PIFS E-Biz Plus program, a regional initiative aimed at boosting private sector’s e-commerce capabilities across Forum Island Countries.
A virtual kick-off meeting was held on 4 July 2025, bringing together the six recipients, representatives from the Secretariat and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) to formally commence the project and get to know each other and the program better.
Launched in 2023, the PIFS E-Biz Plus program is delivered in four structured phases: the development of sector-specific e-commerce toolkits, dedicated training based on those toolkits, and a final phase offering one-on-one coaching and financial support to implement an e-commerce project.
To date, the program has been implemented in the Federated States of Micronesia, Tuvalu, Samoa, and Vanuatu. Niue and Tonga benefitted from the first two phases in 2024, receiving customised e-commerce toolkits tailored to high-potential sectors and participating in targeted training sessions. The kick-off meeting marked the official commencement of the next two
Andrea Ibba, PIFS Pacific E-commerce Coordinator, “We are proud to support these six businesses, with thanks to funding from PPIU, Niue has now advanced to the third and fourth phases of the program. The selected recipients are now set to begin their journey to improve their digital presence and business strategies through tailored e-commerce coaching and grant support. This initiative represents a strategic investment in private sector growth and trade development, aligned with the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.”
“At the heart of PACER Plus is a commitment to inclusive economic growth across the Pacific,” said Dr. Alisi Holani, Trade in Services and Investment Adviser and Labour Mobility Specialist. “We’re proud to support Niue’s small businesses in embracing digital tools that allow them to compete beyond their shores, reduce trade costs, and improve profitability.”
Among the recipients is Mrs Sena’s crafts who plans to launch an online store and udergo a rebrand to honour its legacy and expand its reach, “This program is more than support, it’s a chance to rebrand our story, honour Niuean culture, and grow Mrs Sena’s Legacy into a lasting, global presence.”
Other recipients include Niue Organic Farmers Association, which is launching a YouTube channel to teach youth about organic farming and traditional practices; Niue Vanilla International, a business that aims to boost global sales of its premium vanilla and Pacific products. In the handicraft sector, Mrs Sena’s Crafts, Ebony Carvings, and Lupe Niue are expanding online to reach more customers with their handmade creations. Bohnz Infotech plans to open a local shop to improve access to electronics and IT services.