Sharon & Lelu Win Tourism Funding for ‘Dream Events’

Two young women, Sharon Bare and Lelu Kakadi, have secured SBD$40,000 in funding under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Launch Pad initiative.

They were among four top winners selected to kickstart their events business, Dream Events.

Their win was announced during the YECSI Awards 2025, following six weeks of intensive training and business pitching organised by the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI), in collaboration with the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Turning Experience into Opportunity

Dream Events grew from Sharon and Lelu’s long-standing passion for event organising. Both young entrepreneurs said the idea was shaped by their years of volunteering and working with the Honiara City Council Youth Division, where they helped coordinate youth programs and international events.

“Those experiences shaped me,” Sharon said. “They inspired us to start an events business.”

A Big Win — and an Emotional One

For Sharon, the award came as a surprise.

“I only tried my best and shared our business idea during the pitch,” she said. “When they announced that Dream Events had won the sponsorship support, I was very happy — but also emotional.”

She said the recognition means a lot, especially because her family and friends have always encouraged her to pursue event planning.

“All thanks and honour go back to God and to the people who supported us,” she added.

Challenges Behind the Success

Despite their passion, the journey to entrepreneurship has not been easy.

As young women, Sharon said managing time was among their biggest challenges.

“It’s difficult to balance business and family,” she said. “But with strong family support, we overcame that challenge.”

For Lelu, financial hardship was the biggest obstacle.

“We had just graduated from our Tourism and Hospitality course,” she said. “Starting a business while trying to build your life is hard. Support is important but sometimes hard to get.”

The pair credit the Launch Pad Program for helping them navigate these challenges, providing six weeks of business training, weekly mentoring sessions, and guidance in developing their proposal and pitch.

They offered special thanks to their trainer, Glen Joshua, who supported them throughout the program.

“Teamwork and leaning on each other made everything easier,” Lelu said.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Young Women

Sharon and Lelu hope their success motivates other young women and girls aspiring to enter business.

Sharon encouraged upcoming entrepreneurs to stay committed and resilient.

“If you want to be an entrepreneur, your heart and mind must be settled,” she said. “Don’t give up. Don’t let negativity bring you down.”

She urged young women to build a strong support system, seek advice from the right people, and believe in their potential.

“Let your ideas come alive,” she said. “Ask for help when you need it. No one can do everything alone.”

She added, “Above all, pray and put God first in everything you do. Everything we achieved came from God’s strength.”

Both women said their volunteering experience at the Honiara City Council Youth Division played a crucial role in shaping their skills and confidence.

“Even when we weren’t paid, we learned a lot. Volunteering built our skills, confidence, and experience,” Sharon said.

A New Journey Begins

With funding secured and their passion stronger than ever, Sharon and Lelu are determined to build Dream Events into a leading events planning company in the Solomon Islands.

Their story stands as an inspiring reminder that with passion, persistence, and the right support, young women can transform their ideas into successful businesses — and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the country’s tourism sector.

If you're looking to plan your next event, contact Sharon and Lelu — they will deliver their expertise with professionalism, creativity, and results beyond your expectations.