The recent BTIB training in Aitutaki saw a strong turnout, with over 40 members of the business community in attendance. The engaging session provided valuable insights into business development, marketing strategies, and funding opportunities.

During the session, Jeremy Goodwin from Cook Islands Tourism highlighted two key programs available in Aitutaki. Te Vaka O Ru, a community outreach initiative, supports projects and proposals that bring significant benefits to the people of Aitutaki while enhancing visitor experiences. The Incubator Program was also introduced, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to step forward with business ideas that align with the pillars of Mana Tiaki—stewardship of the environment, culture, beliefs, and community. Inspiring success stories from past participants showcased the positive impact of these programs, sparking great interest among attendees.

The session also covered social media marketing, providing businesses with practical tools and strategies to maximize their online presence. Live demonstrations showcased how to craft engaging social media posts, emphasizing the importance of high-quality visual content, compelling storytelling, and audience engagement techniques. Attendees learned about the rule of thirds, a fundamental principle in photography that helps create visually appealing images, ensuring their content stands out in an increasingly crowded digital space.

Another key discussion was Search Engine Optimization (SEO)—helping businesses understand how to structure their content so it ranks higher on search engines like Google. Tips included choosing the right keywords, optimizing website content, and leveraging backlinks to improve online visibility and attract more customers.

The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in content creation was also explored, showing how businesses can use AI tools to generate post ideas, write compelling captions, and even analyze audience behavior for better engagement. Attendees were introduced to AI-powered platforms that can streamline content creation, making it easier to maintain a consistent and effective online presence.

The presentation was met with enthusiasm, with many attendees requesting one-on-one consultations to discuss their business proposals further. The strong interest shown reinforces the importance of ongoing business support and development opportunities for Aitutaki’s entrepreneurs.