Creative entrepreneurs form the informal sector, and impacted by COVID-19, are undergoing a ten-series business training programme. The ILO and the Palau Chamber of Commerce(PCOC) have signed an Implementation Agreement for the management and delivery of business training, advisory and mentoring services.

Like many Pacific countries, businesses in the Tourism sector have been hard hit. As a consequence, informal sector micro-enterprises in the tourism value chain have struggled to remain afloat - particularly those in the creative industries.

Based on a Training Needs Analysis, the programme includes the following business topics:

1. How to write a business plan
2. Digital Literacy & Google Activity, Copyright, Trademark, Patent and Intellectual Property
3. Book keeping and record keeping basics
4.  Legal compliance for small businesses
5. Time management skills
6. Financial Literacy - Cash flow Management, Lending, Capital, Loans and Banking Services
7. Customer Service, Business Etiquette and Interpersonal skills
8. Networking Skills and Human Relations Skills
9. Marketing Strategies and Digital Marketing
10. Business Continuity Planning

The above training compliments the specialized skills training received by the beneficiaries through UNECO and the Belau Museum. In addition, the trainees will also be supported through UNDP and the Ministry of Commerce in establishing and promoting e-Commerce platforms to market their products and services.

In late 2020, the ILO supported the tripartite partners in Palau in undertaking a Rapid Assessment on the impact of COVID-19 on employment and business.

The Assessment found that 40% of businesses were temporarily closed; 3% were permanently closed; 43% of the businesses were partially open; while 14% remained open. In addition, nearly a quarter (24%) of businesses reported that should the current conditions continue, they could survive up to a maximum of one year only.

The UN Informal Economies Recovery project is supporting activities in Palau aligned with recommendations of the Rapid Assessment, which includes:

1. Empowering informal businesses
2. Supporting start-ups through incubators
3. Youth entrepreneurship
4. Facilitating e-Commerce readiness