Palau SBDC Director
Is
it a bed and breakfast? No…it’s a hostel. What is a “hostel?” If you google the
word “hostel” on the internet, Wikipedia defines “hostel” as budget-oriented,
sociable accommodation
where guests can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed, in
a dormitory
and share a bathroom, lounge and sometimes a kitchen. Rooms can be mixed or
single-sex, although private rooms may also be available. A
popular type of accommodation among backpackers or college students in the
United States as well as European travelers.
Ellen Dirrengas
Toribiong-Marcia, Ms. PINETREE’s, is a sole proprietor woman-owned business in
the accommodation industry. The business
is located in the back road Koror.
Although known as backroad on the way to Ngerbeched, Pinetree Hostel is
actually in the heart of Koror; a walking distance to Bank of Hawaii, several
restaurants and the recreational track & field as well as the national
gymnasium. The location also provides a peaceful
area away from the main road commotion and is around a residential area for a
local touch. Mrs. Ellen D.
Toribiong-Marcia’s main target market is the tourists on a short stay or diving
visitors who are seeking clean, comfortable beds with access to food, water and
amenities of a home. “It’s like a home
away from home type of accommodations”, commented Mrs. Ellen D.
Toribiong-Marcia. Visitors mainly pay
for the bed and lockers, but all amenities of washing your own laundry, TV room
and internet access as well as cooking for yourself is all there for self
service. 
To assist in the start-up costs, Mrs.
Toribiong-Marcia was awarded a commercial loan through the National Development
Bank of Palau (NDBP) to accomplish her start-up goals. For reservations and/or inquiries, you may
visit the PINETREE Hostel web site at http://www.mspinetrees.com
or call Mrs. Marcia Toribiong-Marcia at phone (680)488-2441 or e-mail at mspinetrees@gmail.com
Palau
SBDC provides free confidential counseling to startup and existing businesses. One of the primary uses of services is to assist
interested loan applicants with their business plans which are needed to
determine feasibility and credibility of the loan request. Similarly, the Palau
SBDC offers trainings and workshops throughout the year targeted at individuals
venturing into or currently in business as well as the general public
interested in learning more on business.
For more
information about the Palau SBDC and its services as well as other incentive
programs, please call 680-587-6004 or e-mail Ms. Lisa K. Abraham, the Palau
SBDC Director, at lees@pacificsbdc.com.
You can also
visit us at www.pacificsbdc.com to
find resources to help bring your business to life and to learn more about the
Pacific Islands SBDC Network and its mission.
