Vital PNG

28/05/2026

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FROM DETERMINATION TO DRIVE: HOW NDB HELPED JENNY KIMANA BUILD A GROWING HIRE CAR BUSINESS IN BOUGAINVILLE

In the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), local entrepreneur Mrs Jenny Kimana has demonstrated how determination, planning, and access to finance can transform a modest idea into a growing business. As the owner of JJBM Trans, she has steadily expanded her hire car operation from a single vehicle in 2022 to a fleet of three Toyota Land Cruisers by 2026, with support from the National Development Bank (NDB).

Mrs Kimana’s business journey began in 2020 when she observed increasing economic activity in Bougainville and identified a rising demand for reliable transport services. Together with her husband, Mr Brian Kimana, she began researching the hire car industry and exploring financing options. Determined to formalize the venture, she registered JJBM Trans with the Investment Promotion Authority in 2021, secured tax compliance through the Internal Revenue Commission, and opened a business account with BSP.

Despite careful planning, personal savings, and strong family support, accessing startup finance was a significant challenge. With no prior experience in the hire car industry, many financial institutions viewed the business as high risk. This changed in 2022 when Mrs Kimana successfully secured funding through NDB’s MSME Lending Product under the National Government’s SME support initiative. The loan enabled the purchase of her first vehicle through NDB’s Buka Branch, marking the official launch of JJBM Trans.

Through disciplined financial management and consistent operations, the business repaid its first loan by 2024. This achievement strengthened its credit standing and enabled further expansion. Later that year, JJBM Trans secured a second loan to acquire a second Toyota Land Cruiser, increasing its capacity to serve customers across Bougainville.

As demand continued to grow, the business repaid its second loan ahead of schedule in 2026 and applied for a third loan to improve service reliability and meet customer needs. The loan was approved in April, allowing the purchase of a third vehicle. This steady growth reflects the company’s strong financial discipline and ability to scale operations responsibly.

Speaking at the vehicle handover ceremony, Mr Brian Kimana acknowledged NDB’s critical role in their success, stating that access to finance remains a major barrier for many Papua New Guinean entrepreneurs. He emphasized the importance of commitment, understanding cash flow, building strong networks, and partnering with supportive financial institutions.

NDB Buka Branch Sales and Service Manager, Mr Mark Yanzinga, commended JJBM Trans for its growth, discipline, and effective use of financing. He highlighted that the bank remains committed to supporting SMEs that meet lending requirements and recognized the positive impact of government funding in enabling more Papua New Guineans to enter the SME sector.

Acting CEO of NDB, Mr David Munaga, also praised Mrs Kimana’s resilience and vision, noting that her success illustrates the broader purpose of NDB—to empower local entrepreneurs and drive economic growth. He further acknowledged the government’s continued support for MSME and SME development, which has expanded access to finance for small business owners.

Today, JJBM Trans operates successfully across Bougainville, providing reliable transport services while contributing to local economic activity. Mrs Kimana’s journey stands as a powerful example for aspiring entrepreneurs, showing that with discipline, proper planning, and the right financial partnership, small beginnings can grow into sustainable businesses that support Papua New Guinea’s development.

🔗 Discover more inspiring content on our website: www.ndb.com.pg/news

14/05/2026

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Our friends sporting the Pyramex Velar®️ Ice Orange Mirror Lens sunglasses at the recent NARI show in Lae.

13/05/2026

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NDB HELPING FAMILIES BOOST SMEs

A local entrepreneur from Wingei #1, West Yangoru, East Sepik Province, is making his mark in Papua New Guinea’s transport sector after securing a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) business loan from National Development Bank Limited (NDB), turning a lifelong dream into a growing and sustainable business.

Mr. Seth Nimbiola, the owner of Gericko Holdings Ltd, said his entrepreneurial journey was inspired by his family’s long-standing involvement in business.

Growing up in East Sepik, Mr. Nimbiola recalled watching his father—one of the pioneering businessmen in the Wingei #1 area, West Yangoru, East Sepik Province—successfully operate commercial activities between East and West Sepik Provinces. One of his earliest and most influential memories was seeing his father receive a loan from NDB to purchase a truck, an experience that would later shape his own ambitions.

“My late father was among the early businessmen in our area. Seeing him access finance from NDB to grow his business planted the seed in me,” Mr. Nimbiola said. “My elder brother later received similar support from NDB, and growing up in that environment motivated me to one day follow in their footsteps.”

Driven by that aspiration, Mr. Nimbiola began operating informally under his own name in 2019. With guidance from his nephew, Mr. Kwasy Wamakoru, he gained a clear understanding of the requirements needed to qualify for an SME business loan.

Taking a disciplined approach, Mr. Nimbiola formally registered his business, opened a business account with a commercial bank, and spent 12 months building his equity through consistent savings. After meeting all lending requirements, he submitted his loan application to NDB in February 2026. The application was approved and funded in March 2026, allowing him to fully establish and expand operations under Gericko Holdings Ltd.

Today, Mr. Nimbiola operates his transport services across key centres including Kiunga, Telefomin, and Tabubil, providing critical connectivity and supporting economic activity in some of Papua New Guinea’s more remote communities.

Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Nimbiola said his experience had inspired him to encourage others to pursue business opportunities.

“I tell my people to start small, open proper business accounts, build their equity, and prepare themselves to access finance through NDB. If you are committed and willing to do the groundwork, opportunities will come,” he said.

NDB Chairlady Mrs. Keryn Hargreaves commends many SME’s like Mr. Nimbiola’s determination, describing his success as a clear demonstration of how access to finance can empower Papua New Guineans to improve their lives.

“Stories like Mr. Nimbiola’s demonstrate the real impact of NDB’s mandate—to empower local Papua New Guineans to grow sustainable businesses, create employment opportunities, and uplift livelihoods within their communities,” Mrs. Hargreaves said. “When entrepreneurs apply discipline and determination, access to the right financial support can be transformational.”

Mrs. Hargreaves also acknowledged the critical role of the Marape–Rosso Government and the importance of National Government funding in enabling NDB to deliver on its development role.

“The continued support of the Marape–Rosso Government, particularly through funding from the National Government, is crucial to NDB’s ability to support SMEs and local entrepreneurs across the country,” she said. “This support ensures that affordable financing reaches rural and remote communities, where access to capital is often limited but the need and potential are great.”

Mr. Nimbiola’s journey stands as another powerful reminder that family legacy, personal discipline, access to finance, and strong government support can come together to help Papua New Guineans build sustainable businesses and create lasting opportunities for future generations.

🔗 Discover more inspiring content on our website: www.ndb.com.pg/news"

04/05/2026

Wherever the day takes you.😎

29/04/2026

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JOHN TAKA'S TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY WITH NDB

For many Papua New Guineans, the journey from aspiration to achievement begins with one opportunity—the opportunity to access the right support at the right time.

For Kiunga-based entrepreneur John Taka, that opportunity came in 2022, when he discovered the National Development Bank (NDB) through outreach efforts promoting indigenous enterprise development.

Driven by vision and determination, John walked into the NDB Kiunga Branch with a clear goal: to establish a guest house lodge that would serve transit customers in his community. What followed was not just the financing of a business, but the transformation of a life.

In 2022, John secured his first loan, which enabled him to commence construction of what is now known as Kewane Huku Lodge. Through discipline, resilience, and a commitment to growth, he later returned to NDB to refinance and secure additional support—allowing him to complete construction and fully equip the lodge for operations.

But John’s journey did not stop at success—it evolved into expansion.

In early 2026, he once again partnered with NDB to take his vision further. Building on his track record, John secured additional financing to refinance his existing facilities and develop a double-storey commercial office space in the heart of Kiunga, alongside further investments into his growing business operations. The successful funding marked a new chapter in his entrepreneurial journey.

Today, John Taka stands not just as a successful businessman—but as a symbol of what is possible when opportunity meets discipline. From a single lodge, he is now building a diversified portfolio that includes property leasing, vehicle hire services, a mini canteen, and retail ventures.

Reflecting on his journey, John shares a powerful mindset:
“If I can manage a small loan, I can manage a bigger one.”

His story is one of perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment—not only to business success but to his role as a husband, father, and community contributor.

John’s success is not achieved in isolation—it reflects the strength of partnerships and national commitment to empowering Papua New Guineans.

Lloyd Piari acknowledged the critical role of government support, stating:

“We sincerely acknowledge the Marape–Rosso Government for its continued commitment to empowering MSMEs through the MSME Credit Facility. This support is transforming lives across the country, enabling entrepreneurs like John to grow sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”

NDB also extends its deep appreciation to its Board of Directors for their strategic leadership and guidance in ensuring the Bank remains focused on its development mandate.

Special recognition is also extended to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises Honorable William Duma for his steadfast support to NDB, which continues to strengthen NDB’s role in delivering impactful financial services to Papua New Guineans.

John Taka’s journey is more than a business success story—it is a powerful reminder that with the right support, discipline, and vision, Papua New Guineans can build, grow, and lead.

“Success does not come easily. It requires hard work, sacrifice, and belief in yourself. But with the right support, it is possible.”

From small beginnings to sustainable growth, John’s story reflects the very purpose of NDB—to empower Papua New Guineans to take control of their future and build lasting prosperity.

🔗 Discover the full story and more inspiring content on our website: www.ndb.com.pg/news

20/04/2026

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20/04/2026

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15/04/2026

Whatever the day expects from you. 😎

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14/04/2026