National Development Bank

From Table to Shelf with NDB: The Success Story of Theresa Kunol

Theresa Kunol, from Banz, Western Highlands Province, did not expect her informal table market of selling betelnut and cigarettes to be her first step towards becoming a successful entrepreneur. Getting married straight out of Grade Ten and without formal training or trade skills, Theresa relied on her table marketing to support her family’s livelihood. Little did she know, this humble beginning would evolve into something much bigger.

Today, Theresa is the proud owner of Minz MumTrading, operating two trade stores—one in Banz and the other in Minj, her husband’s home. These trade stores were built from the proceeds of her table market which she started three years ago. Until recently, it became obvious that both trade stores were experiencing high growth, hence, she was to maintain enough stock to meet her customers’ demands. “The trade stores are doing well, and I continue to replenish stock,” said Theresa. “But because I am running two trade stores and my table market, I am only able to restock the fast-selling items.”

Theresa humbly received suggestions from family members to seek financial assistance from the banks, but the idea seemed far-fetched for a grassroots businesswoman like her. “My sister-in-law suggested I get a loan from the bank, but I thought it was impossible. As a grassroots table market and trade store owner, I didn’t think I would meet their loan requirements, especially with any commercial banks,” Theresa recalled.

After much thought, she decided to visit the National Development Bank’s (NDB) Banz Branch. This, Theresa says, was a life-changing decision. “I walked into Banz Branch just to ask if I was qualified for a loan to stock up my two trade stores and table market, and I’m glad I did. NDB gave me the much-needed funding assistance, which I thought was impossible for someone like me, a simple table market mama.”

The funding from NDB enabled Theresa to restock both her stores with a wider variety of goods to meet her customer’s needs and increase sales for her business. “I cannot express how grateful I am to NDB for assisting me to grow my trade store business. I’ve restocked with a variety of new shelf items for customers to choose from. I am making more money, my customers are happy, but I’m the happiest. Thank you, NDB. I know now that I made the best choice in choosing NDB to assist me, and I’m already reaping the rewards,” she expressed with gratitude.

Theresa now employs six staff members who assist in running the trade stores and table market operations in both Banz and Minj. With the growth of her business, she is already looking ahead to bigger plans. “After repaying this loan, I want to construct a bigger building in Banz on a piece of land I already bought and start selling wholesale stock to other retailers within Banz,” she revealed.

NDB’s Head of Branch Network and Loan Origination, David Munaga, emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs like Theresa. “NDB is here to assist our people by providing funding for startups, existing businesses looking to expand, and new ventures. With our SME loans at 7.5% interest and MSME loans at 4%, we ensure our people have access to the financial support they need,” Munaga further expressed his gratitude to the Marape-Rosso government for the support in empowering the MSME and SME sectors in Papua New Guinea. With NDB’s support, Theresa has transformed her humble table market into a thriving business, and she’s just getting started. The future is bright for Minj Mum Trading, and with her unwavering determination, Theresa is well on her way to achieving her dreams of expanding into wholesale distribution and further contributing to her community’s economy.

Caption: Banz woman Theresa Kunol owner of Minz Mum Trading in one of her NDB funded stocked up Trade Store.