The PIFS E-commerce Business Toolkits are simple, step-by-step, example-based, guides for a hypothetical business wishing to explore the use of online tools to sell products and services in a given industry and a given geographical context.

As part of the piloting of the PIFS E-commerce Business Plus Program (PIFS E-Biz Plus), the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) has delivered a a coaching and grant scheme for businesses from the Federate States of Micronesia, Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

‘Coaching/mentoring scheme’ is the third step of the PIFS E-Biz Plus. For each beneficiary country, a subset of micro and small businesses is selected to benefit from this option. One-on-one mentoring/coaching is a highly effective way to provide customised support and guidance to small businesses. A mentor/coach can work directly with the business owner to help them identify opportunities, overcome challenges, and develop a roadmap for success. Businesses and entrepreneurs who have been sensitised, trained, and mentored/coached are offered the opportunity to join a Pacific E-commerce Community of Practice.

Through this project, PIFS coached and provided grants to eight businesses: two from the Federate States of Micronesia, two from Samoa, two from Tuvalu and two from Vanuatu.