27/08/2026
🔥 YECSI IGNITE SESSION CONNECTS YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS WITH THOSE ALREADY WALKING THE JOURNEY
Honiara, Solomon Islands — The Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) yesterday hosted its quarterly IGNITE Session, creating a powerful platform for young entrepreneurs to connect, learn and draw inspiration from two Solomon Islands entrepreneurs who have already built their businesses in the formal sector.
Held at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, the session brought together YECSI members for an open and engaging conversation focused not only on entrepreneurship, but on the realities of starting, building and sustaining a business.
The IGNITE Session is a YECSI initiative designed to bring experienced entrepreneurs into the room with its members to share their personal journeys, lessons, challenges and practical knowledge, while giving young entrepreneurs the opportunity to ask questions and build meaningful networks.
Yesterday’s session featured two local entrepreneurs:
🔹 Watson Maeletete, Owner of Pathways Solutions
🔹 David Siata, Owner of Graceland Architect
Both entrepreneurs shared insights drawn from their own experiences in business, with discussions centred around key areas including resilience, mindset, access to information, networking, marketing, planning and the importance of staying committed to the entrepreneurial journey.
The session provided members with more than just business advice. It gave them an opportunity to sit across the table from entrepreneurs who have experienced the challenges, setbacks, opportunities and growth that come with building a business.
For many participants, the opportunity to hear directly from entrepreneurs already operating in the formal business space was particularly valuable.
One YECSI member expressed excitement at finally having the opportunity to meet and learn from people who had already started their businesses and were progressing along the entrepreneurial journey.
That is at the heart of IGNITE — connecting experience with ambition.
For YECSI, entrepreneurship is not only about having a business idea. It is also about developing the mindset, resilience, knowledge, networks and confidence required to turn that idea into something sustainable.
Through initiatives such as IGNITE, YECSI continues to create spaces where young entrepreneurs can learn from one another, connect with established business leaders and gain practical insights that can help them move forward.
The Council will host its final IGNITE Session for 2026 in the last quarter of the year, continuing its commitment to providing learning, networking and mentorship opportunities for its growing membership.
On behalf of the YECSI Board, Secretariat and members, we extend our sincere appreciation to Watson Maeletete and David Siata for accepting our invitation, giving their time and generously sharing their experiences with our members.
Your stories, lessons and encouragement have helped ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of our young entrepreneurs.
Tagio tumas! 🙏🏽🔥
