YECSI Members Benefit from SBD $3M Tourism Grants
Honiara, Solomon Islands – A total of 44 young members of Young Entrepreneur Council of Solomon Islands will benefit from SBD$3 million grants aimed to promote youth empowerment and entrepreneurship in the country’s tourism sector.
The grant fund comes under a five-year tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Young Entrepreneurs Council of Solomon Islands (YECSI) in collaboration with the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) School of Tourism, Hospitality and Management, last year.
The fund is administered by YECSI and implemented in line with the purpose proceeds of the grant, which include YECSI operational costs, feasibility studies, SINU tourism student start-up packages, business support, as well as training and related activities.
Key initiatives under the fund include the Launch Pad Initiative and the YECSI Members Business Support Initiative.
In 2025, four final year tourism students from SINU have received assistance through the Launch Pad Initiative of the grant. On Tuesday 21st and Thursday 23rd April, 44 YECSI members officially signed their offer letters after being selected from 45 applicants, who applied for the YECSI Members Business Support Initiative.
Speaking during the signing ceremonies, Director of Tourism Division at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Gregory Auta’a congratulated the successful recipients on their awards.
He said the support demonstrates the government’s commitment through the ministry to encouraging youth entrepreneurship and strengthening the growth of the tourism sector in the country.
Mr. Auta’a also urged recipients to use the funds for their intended purposes and comply with all grant requirements.
Recipients will use the funds in agreeing with their business proposals, focusing on sectors that support the tourism industry.
Vice Chairlady of YECSI, Ms. Esther Yates Pollard, acknowledged the national government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for its confidence in YECSI to be given and administered the funding.
She assured the government that the funds would be used responsibly to support young entrepreneurs and contribute positively to the growth of the tourism sector and the national economy.
Ms. Pollard also encouraged the 44 recipients to make good use of the grants, to demonstrate that YECSI is a reliable development partner and that young people are capable of driving positive change when given the right resources.
Source: Ministry of Culture & Tourism Press Release
