MCT, YECSI and SINU Reward Successful Launchpad Initiative Recipient
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), in partnership with the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) and Solomon Islands National University (SINU), has officially rewarded successful recipient of the Launchpad Initiative.
The Launchpad Initiative is a six-week entrepreneurship program targeting graduating students from the School of Tourism at SINU. The program commenced in September and involved 12 Bachelor of Tourism students who undertook intensive training focused on developing viable tourism business ideas. Throughout the program, students received mentorship support and participated in various capacity-building sessions to strengthen their concepts.
In the sixth week, the program culminated in a pitch competition where students presented their business ideas before a panel of experienced judges. Four students were selected as winners and were awarded grant support of SBD 40,000 each during the YECSI Awards Night held in November last year.
One of the four awardees was Mr. Deffe Bennie, who presented an eco-lodge concept known as Aelan Lodge, to be established in Choiseul Province. Today, Mr. Bennie officially received his grant funding from MCT Tourism Director Mr. Gregory Auta’a and witness by Mrs. Rachel Sibisopere at the Ministry’s headquarters.
The remaining three successful recipients will receive their grant awards soon.
YECSI Chairman, Mr. Limahl Totogi, congratulated Mr. Bennie and encouraged him, stating that YECSI will continue to provide support throughout the implementation process to ensure the successful establishment of his business. Mr. Totogi also acknowledged the Solomon Islands Government, through MCT and its leadership, for their strong support of the initiative, noting that the program complements tourism graduates by providing them with an opportunity to apply their learning and launch their own businesses—hence the name Launchpad.
He further acknowledged SINU for the strong partnership, emphasizing that it adds significant value to university students by bridging education and entrepreneurship.
The partnership looks forward to hosting another cohort of the Launchpad Initiative in 2026.
Source: Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands
