Welcome to the Onlaen Trempoline Program?
Onlaen Trempolaen is a business incubation program launched in 2024 by the Vanuatu Innovation and Digital Economy Association (IDEA), in partnership with V-Lab. The program is funded by the Pacer Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) and aims to support early-stage entrepreneurs across Vanuatu through digital training, business coaching, and access to resources. The name, combining "online" and the Bislama word "trempolaen" (trampoline), represents its goal of helping local businesses bounce forward and grow.
Phase 2 of Onlaen Trempolaen was launched in 2025 in partnership with the Department of Communication and Digital Transformation (DCDT) and the Vanuatu Aid for Trade Management Unit (VAMU). This marked a significant step, as it became one of the first government-supported digital incubation programs in Vanuatu. The new phase continues to build on the success of the pilot cohort by supporting four more innovative entrepreneurs with tailored training and guidance. The partnership reflects the government's growing commitment to digital transformation and entrepreneurship, and highlights its recognition of the private sector as a key driver of economic growth and job creation in the country.
The program focuses on bridging the gap between traditional business practices and digital innovation, especially among young entrepreneurs. The first phase supported three promising start-ups: Kaikai Koko (food delivery), Tidy Haus (cleaning services), and Pepeyo Educational and Cultural Tours, all of which received targeted mentoring and funding support.
ONLAEN TREMPOLAEN PHASE 3
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Phase 3 of the Onlaen Trempolaen Digital Incubator Program supports eight emerging entrepreneurs in Vanuatu through tailored coaching, mentorship, and digital business development. The program provides participants with the guidance, skills, and support needed to strengthen their business ideas, improve their operations, and build sustainable ventures. The Phase 3 cohort includes Island Stack Connect, Tekerkak, GuDeal, Laurel Consulting, Kele Production, Lemon Grass, Talefawia, and Htofau Fish Out.
Through this program, these entrepreneurs are gaining valuable opportunities to grow their businesses, embrace digital innovation, and contribute to Vanuatu’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
ONLAEN TREMPOLAEN PHASE 2
ONLAEN TREMPOLAEN PHASE 2 LAUNCHING
OUR FOUR PARTICIPANTS
• Hayley (Fishing & Trading – Santo)
• Audrey (Local Tourism – Port Vila)
• Rummanick (Customs Software)
• Gordan & Rehab (ReGor Transport App)
Objective of this recommended joint initiative
DCDT, VAMU, V-Lab, and IDEA aim to join forces to support the success of selected entrepreneurs through meaningful digital transformation. The shared objective is to deliver tangible impact, including:
- Job creation, empowering local talent
- Strengthening the business ecosystem, by introducing new digital solutions to the market
- Inspiring other entrepreneurs, which is crucial to nurturing a culture of innovation and resilience
Team
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Marc GERARD is the President of Vanuatu IDEA and the Director of Yumiwork, a 2,000m² coworking space that fosters collaboration among the business community and reduces the cost of doing business through shared services and infrastructure. He also leads business consultancies focused on digital transformation in Vanuatu and beyond. Marc was a National Adviser while shaping Vanuatu’s National E-commerce Strategy, delivered multiple E-commerce training programs, and authored three sector-specific E-commerce toolkits (for kava, tourism, and business services). In this program, Marc will continue to coordinate the incubation of digital projects, with a strong focus on digital transformation and a results-driven approach. |
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Supported by
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