VCCI Leading Support for Earthquake-Affected Businesses in Port Vila

The Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) is proud to be administering the Rebuilding Port Vila Grants initiative on behalf of the Business Link Pacific (BLP) program, ensuring local businesses receive the support they need to recover from the 2024 Port Vila Earthquake. Since the scheme opened, VCCI has received more than 260 applications from small and medium enterprises seeking assistance to rebuild, strengthen, and move forward.

With VCCI coordinating the full grant management process locally, the program has now entered the second stage of evaluation.

Stage 2: On-Site Business Assessments

As part of VCCI’s administration of the scheme, detailed on-site business assessments are now underway. In line with BLP’s funding requirements:

• VCCI’s assessment team will meet in person with businesses that passed the initial screening.

• Visits will confirm how each operation was affected by the earthquake.

• Assessments will help determine the level and type of assistance businesses require.

• Findings from these visits will guide VCCI in recommending how funding should be allocated to those most in need.

These assessments ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability throughout the process, while keeping decision-making grounded in real business needs.

How VCCI Has Supported the Business Community

From the outset, VCCI has been committed to making sure businesses—especially the smallest and most vulnerable—could access this opportunity. To support applicants, VCCI has:

• Widely publicised the grant through its communication channels

• Offered in-office, hands-on support to help business owners navigate the application process

• Provided one-on-one guidance to ensure applications were complete and accurate

This proactive assistance ensured businesses that often face the greatest challenges were not left behind.

Next Steps for Applicants

Businesses that have moved into Stage 2 are reminded that on-site assessments are a mandatory part of the process. Applicants are encouraged to:

• Be available and prepared for the scheduled visit

• Provide clear and honest information

• Demonstrate how the earthquake affected their operations

These steps help VCCI tailor support to where it can have the greatest impact for local business recovery.