In November 2024, CPL Foundation launched its pilot Business Mentoring Program in partnership with Australian Business Volunteers. Designed to support women-led micro and small businesses in Papua New Guinea, the program offered one-on-one mentoring and practical tools to help each entrepreneur strengthen and grow their enterprise.
It began with an in-person workshop in Port Moresby, followed by six months of remote mentoring and a closing workshop. The program formally concluded in April 2025, with entrepreneurs presenting their initial pitches to peers and supporters.
One month later, the six entrepreneurs stepped into the CPL Group Conference Room to present refined investment pitches to a panel of respected business leaders.
The panel included:
Sir Mahesh Patel, OBE – Founder of CPL Group and Chairman of CPL Foundation
Mr. Michael Koisen, OBE ML – Group CEO of Teachers Savings and Loans Society Ltd
Mr. George Constantinou – Chairman of Constantinou Group of Companies
The event echoed the energy of a Shark Tank session. But this wasn’t about entertainment. These were real businesses, real ambitions, and real opportunities for impact.
Meet the Entrepreneurs:
Sarah Artango – Pearl Cosmetics Limited
Sarah Artango is the founder of Pearl Cosmetics Limited, a company that creates inclusive, hypoallergenic skincare products for the PNG market. Her journey began in 2009 with homemade body scrubs featuring scents like lemon, turmeric, and coffee, which have since evolved into a formal product line sold in City Pharmacy stores nationwide since 2023. She is now pursuing business growth opportunities to expand production and introduce new products.
Anne-Shirley Korave – QueenPads PNG
Anne-Shirley Korave is the founder of QueenPads PNG, a social enterprise that manufactures and sells bamboo fibre reusable menstrual pads, while also delivering awareness sessions to groups, schools, and communities in both urban and rural areas. Inspired by her personal experience, she began designing pads in 2018 and launched her business in 2022. QueenPads has been available in City Pharmacy outlets nationwide since its launch and achieved its first export to the Solomon Islands in 2024. She is now seeking partnerships to reach more girls in remote communities with both menstrual products and education.
Meriba-May Igara – Boss Crew PNG
Meriba-May Igara is the founder of Boss Crew PNG, a creative venture that designs plush toys inspired by Papua New Guinea’s native wildlife. These toys are both educational and collectible, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Tenkile Conservation Alliance. Her Poro Adventures range is available through City Pharmacy and Prouds Duty Free Shop. Meriba-May is now seeking funding to strengthen brand positioning and expand public awareness of the product’s quality and purpose.
Nadya Parascos – Dare2Create Events and Dance Theatre Services
Nadya Parascos is the founder of Dare2Create (D2C), a creative arts business that provides theatrical performances, concept entertainment, and corporate event services. She registered her business in 2022 and was the official entertainment partner for the 2024 Pride of PNG Women Awards. Nadya is now seeking funding to stage Paradisea, a flagship theatrical production that will celebrate Papua New Guinea’s Golden Jubilee and showcase its cultural richness to national and international audiences.
Deborah Salle – PNG Language Services
Deborah Salle is the founder of PNG Language Services (PNGLS), a translation, interpretation, and language tutoring business based in Port Moresby. She works across Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu, Kuanua, and Enga, and supports clients including diplomats, international volunteers, international NGOs, and global language service providers. Since founding PNGLS in 2020, she has expanded her services to include language training and curriculum development. Deborah is now seeking funding to develop a comprehensive indigenous language course for schools and communities.
Kazieh Taganny – Niugini Naturals
Kazieh Taganny is the co-owner of Niugini Naturals, a handmade haircare brand offering natural products such as hair and scalp oil, rapid growth hair food, and whipped shea butter. Launched in 2022, the business has quickly grown, with strong sales performance at a partner salon in Port Moresby. Kazieh is now seeking retail distribution opportunities to introduce her products to a wider market.
In the coming weeks, CPL Foundation, together with Mr. Koisen and Mr. Constantinou, will take the next step to support these entrepreneurs – either by investing directly or connecting them with others who can help. Whether it’s access to capital, expert guidance, or the right market connections, the goal is the same: to give each of these women the opportunity to move their business forward with confidence.
This is part of CPL Foundation’s ongoing commitment to creating real pathways for women to lead and thrive in business across Papua New Guinea.
