ABV runs regular training courses in several countries:

Better Business Governance (BBG)



The Better Business Governance (BBG) training course is currently run in the Pacific and has been designed for company directors, CEOs and senior managers. The program is specifically tailored for Pacific Island countries and based on interactive case studies. Participants work through case studies and situations similar to those they will regularly encounter. Participants also role-play a case study board meeting.
This course is suitable for directors (or committee members) of private, government, not-for-profit and community based organizations. BBG teaches participants to:

• Understand the practical, operational and legal structure of companies
• Identify the key duties of a director
• Understand the principles of good governance and the legal responsibilities of the  board and its directors
• Read financial statements and to appreciate the financial responsibilities of every director
• Conduct a financial health check of their organisation
• Understand the role of the board and how it can work more effectively, despite a lack of resources
• Understand the role of the board during times of change or growth
• Appreciate the different roles of shareholders, directors and managers
The three-day program, funded by AusAID, is delivered by highly qualified ABV presenters throughout the Pacific Island countries. For a few days after the conclusion of the course, the presenters can make themselves available to visit participants at their organisations to provide specific assistance and advice.


Young Entrepreneurs' Scheme (YES)

The Young Entrepreneurs' Scheme (YES) is a practical course designed to raise the skills level of young entrepreneurs in PNG and the Pacific so they can develop and run a successful business.

YES is targeted at young people up to 35 years of age who are already running or managing an existing business which they wish to develop further. Participants are selected on the basis that they have the enthusiasm to overcome deficiencies they perceive in their current management processes, and the desire to build their business capability.

The objective is that each participant will be able to develop and implement a viable business plan for their enterprise. YES also aims to develop a support mechanism/coaching role for young entrepreneurs both in developing countries and from Australia.

The YES course covers the fundamentals of:

• Business planning
• Finance
• Human resources
• Marketing
• Customer service

Two experienced ABV volunteers present each YES course. Local presenters are also asked to take part (e.g. bank managers to provide information about access to credit and local successful business people to talk about their experiences).

YES has received strong support from host governments, private sector peak bodies (such as Chambers of Commerce), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and AusAID in-country staff.

Participants in several developing countries have acknowledged several practical benefits from taking part in YES courses:

• Increase in business volume
• Ability to progress from planning a business to actually opening a business
• Increased understanding of financial position and ability to make informed decisions about current position and/or future expansion
• Ability to plan and manage a business
• Ability to manage cash flow
• Improved working environment
• Improved customer service
• Ability to correctly price products and services
• Improved financial management and systems


Testimonials from YES course participants:

"I found the YES course to be incredibly helpful and insightful…meeting other business people in similar situations was an affirming experience, particularly as being a sole trader can be quite isolating." (F.E. - Lawyer, Samoa)

"…my customers are also young people … and a few who are interested in setting up their own [businesses] in time to come. I am so grateful I am able to pass on to them the knowledge I gained…" (P.C. - Retailer, Fiji)

"[The YES course] is a breath of fresh air and it really made me sit down and look at what I needed to do. I have taken care of my problem areas now… and the outcome for my business has been tremendous." (R.S. - Real Estate Agent, Samoa)

Other Training Courses
Drawing on the varied expertise and experience of our many registered Volunteers, ABV is able to create other training courses, or tailor existing training courses to the specific needs of clients.ABV runs regular training courses in several countries.

Current Schedule of Training courses