From Classroom to Commerce: Teacher Builds Thriving Businesses in PNG

Inspiration Story by NDB/10STEPSPNG

In the highlands of Papua New Guinea, 31-year-old Ken Francis is turning heads with a remarkable journey from education to entrepreneurship. Hailing from Wolumesa Village in Poroma LLG, Nipa–Kutubu District, Ken is a committed primary school teacher who has successfully built a portfolio of thriving businesses to support his young family.

 From Classroom to Commerce: Teacher Builds Thriving Businesses in PNG/Graphics by National Development Bank NDB

Ken began his professional journey at Balob Teachers College in 2020, earning a Diploma in Primary Teaching. By 2023, he had joined Lawe Primary School, giving back to his community through education. But like many in rural PNG, Ken faced the challenge of balancing his passion for teaching with the practical demands of providing for a growing family of six.

Determined to supplement his income, Ken made a bold move in early 2023. He sold a portion of his customary land along the main Kutubu highway and invested the proceeds into a Lucas mill and chainsaw, launching a timber milling business. The venture quickly gained traction, supplying timber and milling services to surrounding communities.

Seeing further opportunity, Ken expanded later that year into a fuel retail outlet and tyre service station, meeting essential needs for passing motorists and local operators. By March 2024, Sipili Service Station was officially registered with the Investment Promotion Authority, followed by a trade store operating at both retail and wholesale levels to cater to the growing demand in his community.

Transportation remained a major hurdle, with logistics from Mt Hagen proving costly and inefficient. Ken learned of the National Development Bank’s MSME support through local media and reached out to their Mt Hagen branch. “I learned from the newspaper that the government was supporting small entrepreneurs through MSME loans offered by NDB. I contacted the Mt Hagen Branch, and they guided me step by step through the process,” he recalled.

Through NDB’s Youth, Student, and Business Empowerment (YSBE) Loan, offered at a concessional 4 percent fixed interest rate, Ken purchased a new NPR PMV Dyna truck from Boroko Motors. The investment reduced his logistics costs and unlocked further growth across all his enterprises. His loan was approved and funded on 28 January 2026—a milestone that marked a turning point for his family and businesses.

Today, Ken balances his role as an educator with a diversified business portfolio, including timber milling, fuel retail, tyre services, a trade store, and PMV transport. He credits his success to discipline, family support, and the enabling role of NDB. “My family and I are truly thankful to National Development Bank and the National Government for helping us grow our small business and achieve our dreams,” Ken said.

Acting Head of Branch & Loan Origination, Mr. Lloyd Piari, said Ken’s story reflects the core mission of NDB. “This story shows why NDB exists—to support MSMEs and SMEs, especially in rural communities. With the continued support of the Marape–Rosso Government, we empower Papua New Guineans like Mr. Francis to create sustainable businesses, generate employment, and contribute to national development.”

Ken’s journey stands as an inspiring example of how education and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand, demonstrating that with the right support, determination, and planning, rural entrepreneurs in PNG can build meaningful, lasting impact.

This article first appeared in NDB facebookpage  >>  www.ndb.com.pg/news