28/07/2026
NDB LOAN HELPS MILNE BAY ENTREPRENEUR GROW HIS BUSINESS
What started as a simple effort to provide for his family has grown into a thriving business for Milne Bay entrepreneur Daniel Tonny, demonstrating how financial literacy, determination, and access to the right financial support can transform lives and strengthen local economies.
Mr. Daniel Tonny, 36, from Laimodo Village in Suau, Milne Bay Province, is the owner of Laimodo Coastal Harvesters, a small enterprise specialising in prawn harvesting. For the past four years, he has steadily built his business, supplying fresh seafood to hotels, retail outlets, and fast-food businesses across the province.
As customer demand continued to increase, Daniel realised that expanding his operations was the only way to keep pace with the growing market. However, like many small business owners in Papua New Guinea, limited access to finance and business knowledge presented significant challenges.
A turning point came in October 2025 when Daniel participated in a Financial Education Program delivered by the National Development Bank (NDB) in partnership with Good Return, with support from the Australian Government.
The program provided practical financial knowledge, helping participants better understand money management, responsible borrowing, and their rights and responsibilities as banking customers. More importantly, it gave Daniel the confidence to approach NDB for financial assistance to expand his business.
Shortly afterwards, Daniel became one of the first customers to access NDB's SME Mobilization Loan, which was launched in Alotau in December 2025.
Through the loan, Daniel purchased a 19-foot fibreglass boat and a 15-horsepower outboard motor—essential equipment that has significantly improved his fishing operations and transportation capacity. The investment has enabled him not only to harvest and transport larger quantities of prawns more efficiently but also to diversify into shark fin fishing, creating additional income opportunities.
"I will now be able to buy more prawns, transportation costs will be lower, and I can also increase shark fin fishing with the dinghy and motor," Daniel said.
For Daniel, the loan represents far more than the purchase of new equipment. It is an investment in his family's future and the continued growth of his business, allowing him to increase productivity while meeting the demands of an expanding customer base.
Reflecting on his journey, Daniel encourages aspiring entrepreneurs not to lose sight of their goals.
"My advice to others is to save enough money to meet the bank's requirements and never give up," he said.
NDB's SME Mobilization Loan was developed to address the unique needs of businesses operating in Papua New Guinea's agriculture and tourism sectors. Unlike conventional lending products, the facility allows loan repayments to align with seasonal and business income cycles, helping entrepreneurs maintain sustainable cash flow while growing their enterprises.
Daniel's success story highlights the importance of combining financial education with accessible financing. It demonstrates how empowering local entrepreneurs with the right knowledge and resources can unlock business potential, create employment opportunities, and contribute to sustainable economic development in rural communities.
As more Papua New Guineans pursue entrepreneurship, stories like Daniel Tonny's serve as a reminder that with determination, sound financial planning, and the right support, small businesses can grow into lasting success stories that benefit families, communities, and the nation.
📸 Photo: Daniel Tonny with his boat, flanked by Sales & Service Manager Eleanor Ofara.
