Category Listing
INFORMAL & MICRO BUSINESS
This award cluster recognizes locally owned businesses that operate within informal or community-based markets. To qualify, businesses must have been active for a minimum of three years and demonstrated significant engagement within the past 12 months prior to the release of this awards form. Eligible enterprises include informal businesses, formally registered micro enterprises, and startups. They must employ fewer than five staff members, possess assets not exceeding K200,000, and report annual income below K200,000.
1.Mama Bank Community Commerce Award
Recognizes grassroots women entrepreneurs driving local trade and economic empowerment, especially in underserved communities. Highlights informal sector women leaders creating opportunities for families and villages.
2. Mi Bank Market Meri Award
This award honors outstanding women-led market enterprises that exemplify resilience and innovation. It celebrates female entrepreneurs whose ventures bolster family incomes and drives growth. Eligible nominees must be officially registered and operational with the IPA and IRC.
3. BNG Trading Baker Mama Award
Acknowledges talented home and small-scale bakers delivering quality, tradition, and taste. Highlights their creativity and contribution to food microbusinesses. Eligible nominees must be officially registered and operational with the IPA and IRC.
4. Emerging Venture Excellence Award
Spotlights an emerging venture showing outstanding promise, leadership, and growth within its first few years. Focuses on strong vision, early achievements, and scalable impact. Eligible nominees must be officially registered and operational with the IPA and IRC. Businesses across all sectors are welcome to submit nominations, including those from industries not traditionally featured in the SME Awards—such as professional services, cleaning, nursing triage, horticulture, and many others.
SMALL AND MEDIUM BUSINESS
The SME Awards applies to locally owned businesses with 5 to 100 employees, have assets valued between K200,000 and K10 million, and general annual income ranging from K200,000 up to K10 million. These businesses must have been operating for a minimum of 5 years and most active in the last 12 months from the issuance of this Awards form.
1. Moni Plus Road Transport Services Award
This award recognizes transport providers across Papua New Guinea for delivering safe, reliable, and customer-focused services. It highlights operators that excel in business efficiency and the vital delivery of essential mobility solutions. Nominees offering chauffeur services, innovative taxi operations, public transport services, hire car services, or app-based ride-sharing platforms—and holding formal IPA business registration—will receive additional consideration.
2. TE PNG Security Services Award
This award honors private security firms that exemplify professionalism, prioritize community safety, and empower their teams. It celebrates organizations renowned for consistent, ethical operations. Nominees must demonstrate current compliance with the Security Industry Authority. Other Internationally recognized accreditations and corporate client references will be considered advantageous.
3. Hino Excellence in Civil Road Construction
This award celebrates SMEs transforming Papua New Guinea’s infrastructure through innovation, sustainability, and skilled workforce engagement. It recognizes outstanding achievements in roads, drainage, and utility works.SMEs engaged with the Connect PNG Program are invited to submit nominations. Applications supported by commendations from the Department of Works and Highways or from provincial and district works offices will receive additional consideration. Nominees must have no unresolved service disputes with the State of Papua New Guinea.
4. Hardware Haus Building Construction Award
This award acknowledges excellence in small and medium building construction firms delivering residential or commercial construction projects. Emphasizes quality, safety, and client satisfaction.
5. City Pharmacy Primary Healthcare Service Award
This award honors SMEs offering accessible health services in local communities. Recognizes affordable care, community outreach, and health education. Healthcare providers from a wide range of specialties are invited to nominate, including dental services, general medical practices and clinics, independent nursing triage services within pharmacies, ophthalmology, ENT (ear, nose, and throat) services, paramedic emergency care, and antenatal services.
6. International Training Institute – ICT Integration Excellence Award
This award celebrates tech-driven businesses using ICT to enhance operations, service delivery, and growth. Focuses on practical innovation and digital transformation.
7. UNCDF Excellence in Community Banking and Financial Access Award
This award recognizes inclusive banking and fintech models that broaden financial access in remote or marginalized communities. It spotlights innovations in money transfers, digital savings, lending, and financial literacy initiatives. Rural and Community Bank Agencies are encouraged to submit nominations.
8. Credit Bank eCommerce Award
This award recognizes small businesses that conduct their trading—buying and selling products or services—online using digital platforms instead of traditional physical stores. E-commerce enables entrepreneurs to reach more customers, reduce overhead costs, and operate around the clock, even with limited resources. In developing contexts like Papua New Guinea, this is often achieved through platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, which is widely used for local trading; WhatsApp Business, which facilitates direct sales and customer engagement; and digital payment solutions like CellMoni mobile wallet, BSP Internet Payment Gateway, and mobile money transfers that support secure and efficient transactions.
9. Kina Bank Innovative Sustainable Solutions Entrepreneur Award
This award celebrates entrepreneurs who tackle environmental or social challenges through bold and practical business innovation. It honors enterprises who don’t wait for change—they create it through smart, practical ideas that help their communities and the planet that is aligned with Papua New Guinea’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the country’s own SDG targets outlined in the PNG Medium Term Development Plan. Examples of Innovative Sustainable Solutions:
Turning Waste into Products
A business that collects plastic waste and turns it into building materials or furniture.
A cooperative that uses coffee husks to make compost or fuel briquettes.
Creating Jobs through Local Resources
A youth-led enterprise that trains locals to make crafts from bamboo or coconut shells.
A women’s group that produces herbal soaps using native plants.
Improving Access to Services
A mobile health clinic powered by solar energy.
A digital platform that connects farmers to buyers using basic mobile phones.
Protecting the Environment While Earning Income
A business that plants trees and earns carbon credits.
A cooperative that grows organic crops without chemicals and sells them through Fairtrade.
Micro, small, and medium enterprises, business groups—including cooperatives—are strongly encouraged to nominate.
10. Kina Bank Greenpreneurs Excellence Award
This award celebrates entrepreneurs who are leading the way in environmental stewardship through business. It focuses on enterprises that actively reduce their ecological footprint—whether by promoting renewable energy, recycling and waste management, climate-smart agriculture, or green logistics.
Unlike broader innovation awards, this category specifically honors businesses that embed eco-conscious practices into their operations and supply chains. It highlights those who take direct action to combat climate change and protect natural resources, contributing to Papua New Guinea’s green economy transition and its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Here are the four key areas mentioned in the award, with examples:
1. Promoting Renewable Energy
Using energy that comes from natural sources like the sun, wind, or water, instead of fossil fuels like diesel or coal.
Examples:
Installing solar panels to power your coffee processing machines.
Using hydropower from a nearby river to run your workshop.
Switching from petrol generators to solar-powered lighting.
2. Climate-Smart Agriculture
Farming methods that protect the land, adapt to changing weather, and reduce emissions.
Examples:
Planting shade trees to protect coffee plants and improve soil health.
Using organic fertilizers instead of chemicals.
Practicing crop rotation to keep the soil fertile.
Building water catchment systems to prepare for dry seasons.
3. Green Logistics
Making your transport and supply chain more eco-friendly.
Examples:
Promoting or using fuel-efficient boats or vehicles.
Coordinating deliveries to reduce trips and save fuel.
Choosing local suppliers to cut down on long-distance transport.
11. Yamaha Ocean Guardian Entrepreneur Award
This award honors visionary entrepreneurs who are actively protecting marine environments through innovative and responsible business practices. It celebrates ventures that contribute to ocean conservation, promote sustainable fishing, and lead coastal protection efforts, especially in vulnerable communities.
The award emphasizes environmental stewardship—taking care of marine ecosystems not just for profit, but for future generations. It also values community education, recognizing businesses that raise awareness and involve local people in preserving the ocean.
The Yamaha Ocean Guardian Entrepreneur Award, based on the four key areas:
1. Marine Conservation
A small enterprise that trains local divers to restore damaged coral reefs using eco-friendly reef plugs. They partner with schools to teach students about reef ecosystems and organize monthly reef cleanups.
2. Sustainable Fishing
A fishing group that uses handlines and fish traps instead of destructive nets. They follow seasonal fishing bans and size limits to protect breeding fish. Their catch is sold through eco-certified channels, earning better prices.
A women-led enterprise that trains members in sustainable shellfish harvesting. They use traditional knowledge and modern techniques to avoid overharvesting.
3. Coastal Protection
A community business that plants mangroves to prevent erosion and absorb storm surges. They also produce mangrove seedlings for sale to other coastal villages.
A local enterprise that builds natural sand dune barriers using woven coconut fronds and native grasses. Their work protects homes and gardens from tidal flooding.
4. Community Education
A mobile classroom that travels to coastal villages teaching kids about marine life, pollution, and climate change. They use storytelling, games, and hands-on activities to make learning fun and memorable.
A local radio show hosted by fishers that shares tips on sustainable practices, weather updates, and ocean safety. It reaches remote communities with no internet access
12. Maku Gifts Excellence in Textile and Garments Award
This award honors creative artisans and businesses specializing in textiles, clothing, and accessories, celebrating their role in showcasing Papua New Guinea’s rich traditions of fashion and craftsmanship. Entrants must demonstrate an established in-store retail presence, and those whose products are carried by major retail chains will receive additional consideration.
13. PNGAustralia Partnership Yumi Wantok Award
The Yumi Stap Wantaim Award will specifically recognise SMEs that demonstrate not only business growth and resilience—in turnover, market share and profitability—but importantly exemplify the values of partnership, community engagement and service (or ‘working together’). This criterion reflects both quantitative achievements and qualitative strengths in leadership, sustainability, and social responsibility, aligning strongly with Australia's broader development and diplomacy goals in PNG. Business owners and SMEs owned by women, as well as those who have engaged directly with the Australian Government or participated in any programs supported through the PNG-Australia Partnership (i.e. Australian Awards, short trainings, business dealings with or in Australia, etc) will be strongly encouraged to apply.
14. Stop N Shop Fresh Producer Enterprise Award
The Stop N Shop Fresh Produce Enterprise Award honors the dedication and impact of Papua New Guinea’s smallholder growers—both formal and informal—including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, cooperatives, and farming business groups. This award celebrates those who consistently supply fresh, high-quality produce to markets, retailers, hotels, catering services, and resource camp sites across urban and rural communities.
It recognizes excellence in sustainable agricultural practices, supply reliability, and a shared-value approach that strengthens local economies and nurtures resilient communities. Awardees exemplify the spirit of inclusive growth, environmental stewardship, and food system innovation—ensuring that fresh produce not only feeds the nation, but sustains its people.
15. Tisa Bank Agri-Based Made in Papua New Guinea Fast-Moving Consumer Retail Product Award
This award celebrates 100% SME-owned brands that proudly carry the Made in Papua New Guinea identity—transforming locally sourced agricultural products into high-quality, retail-ready consumer goods.
It recognizes enterprises that add value through innovative processing, distinctive branding, and packaging excellence, while meeting consumer expectations and national standards. Eligible nominees include producers of spices, honey, chocolates, coffee, cocoa, coconut products, and other agri-based goods that are:
Fully branded and professionally packaged
Consumer-tested and standards-approved
Sold in major supermarkets and retail outlets in PNG
This award shines a spotlight on SMEs that turn local harvests into shelf-ready products—driving national pride, economic growth, and global potential through the power of Made in Papua New Guinea.
16. Tisa Bank Award for Excellence in Coffee Production & Export
This award celebrates outstanding coffee producers who demonstrate excellence across the entire value chain—from cultivation and processing to domestic and international market success. It highlights trailblazing SMEs driving innovation in fast-moving consumer coffee products, premium blends, and downstream processing. Special recognition is given to businesses whose products are featured on Papua New Guinea’s largest retail shelves, served in the hospitality sector, and exported abroad, showcasing PNG coffee to the world.
17. Tisa Bank Outstanding Cocoa Enterprise Award
This award recognizes cocoa growers or processors advancing product quality, sustainability, and market reach. Supports local livelihoods and international trade.
18. Tisa Bank Coconut Value Chain Excellence Award
This award celebrates outstanding Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) driving innovation, sustainability, and economic impact across the coconut value chain. It recognizes businesses engaged in:
Downstream processing of Coconut Virgin Oil
Production of coconut-based cosmetics and personal care products
Copra buying and aggregation for local and export markets
Nominees should demonstrate excellence in product quality, value addition, market development, and community engagement. This award honors those who transform traditional coconut resources into high-value products and rural buyers in the coconut value chain contributing to Papua New Guinea’s economic growth and rural livelihoods.
19. Agriculture Community Connection Champion Award
This award honors a small or medium enterprise (SME) that plays a pivotal role in connecting rural and remote agricultural communities across Papua New Guinea to meaningful economic opportunities. It celebrates businesses that cultivate genuine relationships with smallholder growers, micro-farmers, and village-based producer groups, helping them thrive through access, inclusion, and empowerment.
Nominees may include:
Commodity buyers who work directly with local producers
Financial inclusion specialists offering mobile banking or micro-loans
Capacity builders training farmers in sustainable agriculture or business skills
Market access networkers linking rural producers to buyers, exporters, or digital platforms
This award recognizes enterprises that treat rural engagement not as a transaction—but as a transformational partnership.
20. Fisheries Enterprise Award
This award recognizes micro and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) that are making exceptional contributions to Papua New Guinea’s fisheries sector through sustainable practices, community engagement, and market innovation. Eligible businesses include those involved in:
Inland aquaculture operations
Maritime coastal fisheries harvesting
Distribution to resource campsites, hospitality and tourism sectors
Supply to major retail supermarkets
Nominees must demonstrate a strong local impact, working closely with fishing communities to promote responsible harvesting, environmental stewardship, and inclusive economic growth. Preference will be given to businesses with supplier references, including endorsements from the National Fisheries Association and the Fisheries Authority.
This award celebrates enterprises that not only deliver high-quality seafood products but also serve as role models for sustainability and community-driven development in PNG’s blue economy.
21. Culinary Excellence Award
This award recognizes food entrepreneurs delivering exceptional cuisine grounded in tradition, creativity, and hospitality. It spotlights PNG’s culinary identity and innovative spirit. Standalone restaurants and eateries, as well as outdoor catering companies serving large-scale events with HACCP accreditation, will have an advantage.
22. Digital Content Creator of the Year Award
The category celebrates outstanding individuals or teams in Papua New Guinea who produce compelling, original content across digital platforms. Whether for entertainment, education, marketing, or inspiration, these creators play a vital role in shaping PNG’s digital culture and influencing audiences through authentic storytelling and creative innovation.
Nominees must demonstrate a strong presence and meaningful engagement on at least three of the following platforms: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Twitch, Blogs/Websites, or Podcasts. Their work should reflect consistency, originality, and a positive contribution to the online community.
Eligibility Criteria:
Must be IPA-registered and based in Papua New Guinea
Must produce content that is factual, ethical, and community-focused
Public opinion commentators, and creators of fake news, misinformation, or propaganda are not eligible
This award honors creators who elevate digital storytelling in PNG—those who inform, entertain, and inspire while upholding integrity and cultural relevance.
23. Music Video Excellence in Cultural Promotion & Cinematography Award
Celebrating the fusion of music, culture, and creative enterprise in Papua New Guinea
This award honors a music artist or group whose video production exemplifies outstanding musical talent, strategic brand development, and cinematic storytelling that brings Papua New Guinea’s vibrant cultures, people, and landscapes to life.
It recognizes artists who have achieved significant digital reach and influence—including high viewership and engagement on platforms like YouTube—while using music videos as a powerful medium to promote PNG’s arts, heritage, and tourism. From traditional rhythms to contemporary beats, from remote village scenes to urban expressions, these productions serve as visual ambassadors of PNG’s identity.
Nominees demonstrate:
Musical excellence and originality
Professional branding and business strategy across digital platforms
Cinematic visuals that showcase PNG’s diverse cultures, communities, and destinations
Digital impact, including strong online engagement and audience growth
This award celebrates those who turn music into a movement—blending sound, story, and scenery to elevate Papua New Guinea on the global stage.
24. Mama Bank Janet Sape Resilient Businesswomen Award
Honors visionary women entrepreneurs whose perseverance and innovation have created lasting economic impact in their communities, often in the face of significant challenges. Inspired by the legacy of Janet Sape, the award celebrates women who uplift others through enterprise, inclusion, and fearless determination.
25. Moni Plus Bernard B Chan – PLWD SME Empowerment Award
This award recognizes entrepreneurs with disabilities who have demonstrated exceptional resilience and leadership in building sustainable livelihoods. It celebrates inclusive economic participation and honors individuals who inspire change through business innovation and advocacy. Entrepreneurs with congenital or acquired disabilities—including amputees, individuals with paraplegia, and those with broader mobility or sensory impairments—are encouraged to nominate.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP HONOURS
Honouring courageous and resilient contributors who drive transformation, economic independence, and social cohesion within Papua New Guinea and its extended regional communities.
Bougainville Entrepreneur Award
Honors exceptional individuals who demonstrate innovation, resilience, and impact in advancing sustainable economic development across Bougainville. This recognition highlights entrepreneurs whose ventures contribute meaningfully to community empowerment, job creation, and inclusive growth.
IPBC Business Award
The IPBC Awards for West Papuans by Origin honor individuals of West Papuan heritage—whether full or mixed—who have embraced life in Papua New Guinea through Refugee status, Permission Residence, or Naturalized Citizenship. These awards celebrate remarkable resilience, adaptability, and the courageous pursuit of economic integration and contribution within PNG's national landscape.
COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES BUSINESS GROUP
1. Coffee Cooperative of the Year
This award celebrates excellence in coffee production, processing, and marketing. PNG’s Highlands are home to some of the world’s finest Arabica beans, and this category honors cooperatives that uplift local growers, maintain quality standards, and contribute to export growth. Eligibility: Must be a registered coffee-producing cooperative with IPA and the Cooperatives Registry. Where applicable, a reference or endorsement from the National Government’s Coffee Industry Corporation, (2) the Provincial Program Advisor – Agriculture, or (3) a major corporate client will be considered an advantage
2. Cocoa Cooperative of the Year
Recognizing cooperatives that drive innovation and sustainability in cocoa farming. With PNG’s reputation for fine-flavor cocoa, this award highlights groups that support smallholders, improve fermentation practices, and connect to premium markets. Eligibility: Must be a registered cocoa-producing cooperative with IPA and the Cooperatives Registry. Where applicable, a reference or endorsement from the National Government’s Cocoa Board, (2) the Provincial Program Advisor – Agriculture, or (3) a major corporate client will be considered an advantage
3. Coconut & Copra Cooperative of the Year
This category honors cooperatives involved in coconut farming and copra processing. From oil production to value- added products, these groups play a vital role in coastal economies and traditional livelihoods. Eligibility: Must be a registered coconut/copra cooperative with IPA and the Cooperatives Registry. Where applicable, a reference or endorsement from the National Government’s Kokonas Indastri Koporesen, (2) the Provincial Program Advisor – Agriculture, or (3) a major corporate client will be considered an advantage
4. Spices Cooperative of the Year
Celebrating cooperatives that cultivate and market high-value spices such as vanilla, cardamom, turmeric, and ginger. These groups often operate in remote areas and contribute to niche export markets and agro-tourism. Eligibility: Must be a registered spice-producing cooperative with IPA and the Cooperatives Registry. Where applicable, a reference or endorsement from the National Government’s Spice Board, (2) the Provincial Program Advisor – Agriculture, or (3) a major corporate client will be considered an advantage
5. Livestock Cooperative of the Year
This award recognizes cooperatives engaged in raising pigs, poultry, cattle, or goats. These groups support food security, income generation, and local meat supply chains across PNG’s rural and peri-urban areas. Eligibility: Must be a registered livestock cooperative with IPA and the Cooperatives Registry. Where applicable, a reference or endorsement from any of the following will be considered an added advantage: (1) the National Government’s Livestock Development Cooperation, (2) the Provincial Program Advisor – Livestock, or (3) a major corporate client will be considered an advantage
6. Fresh Produce Cooperative of the Year
Honoring cooperatives that grow and distribute vegetables, fruits, and root crops such as kaukau, taro, banana, and leafy greens. These groups are essential to local markets and nutrition. Eligibility: Must be a registered fresh produce cooperative with IPA and the Cooperatives Registry. Where applicable, a reference or endorsement from any of the following will be considered an added advantage: (1) the National Government’s Fresh Produce Development Authority, (2) the Provincial Program Advisor – Agriculture, (3) foreign development partner or (4) a major corporate client will be considered an advantage
7. Community & Youth Empowerment Champion Award
Presented to a cooperative that demonstrates outstanding commitment to empowering communities and youth through personal development, business viability training, and inclusive livelihood programs. This includes initiatives in marine and coastal aquaculture, tourism (site-seeing, hospitality, trade stores), and inland farming that foster sustainable growth, skills development, and economic resilience. Where applicable, a reference or endorsement from any of the following will be considered an added advantage: (1) the National Government’s Grain Board, (2) the Provincial Program Advisor – Agriculture, or (3) a major rice distributor will be considered an advantage.
8. Inland Aquaculture Cooperative of the Year
Recognizing cooperatives that farm freshwater species such as tilapia, carp, and prawns. These groups promote sustainable protein sources and empower communities in valleys and highlands. Eligibility: Must be a registered aquaculture cooperative with IPA and the Cooperatives Registry. Where applicable, reference or endorsement from the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) or the Provincial Program Advisor – Fisheries will be considered an advantage.
9. Maritime Fisheries Cooperative of the Year
This award honors cooperatives engaged in marine fishing, including tuna, reef fish, and crustaceans. These groups are vital to PNG’s coastal economies and global seafood supply chains. Eligibility: Must be a registered fisheries cooperative with IPA and the Cooperatives Registry. Where applicable, reference or endorsement from the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) or the Provincial Program Advisor – Fisheries will be considered an advantage.
HIGHEST HONOURS
❖ Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2025
❖ Cooperative of the Year 2025
❖ Ela Motors SME of the Year 2025