The sustainability of a business relies heavily on a well-structured plan before its inception. This was highlighted during a recent event in Toge Village, where residents, including Salote Waqali, participated in a workshop culminating in the launch of their village strategy and business plan. On February 14, Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Ifereimi Vasu, presented participants with certificates and a copy of the new plan which aims to support community ventures.
Waqali expressed her gratitude for the newfound understanding of strategic planning, as it plays a pivotal role in funding education and improving general welfare within the community. She noted that the workshop provided valuable insights into how profits would be shared while maintaining a focus on communal welfare. Particularly, Waqali is motivated to start a small business selling cooked food, utilizing the knowledge gained from the training.
During the launch, Minister Vasu emphasized the importance of unity among villagers, particularly concerning profit-sharing, urging them to continue supporting one another in business endeavors. Aisake Taito, CEO of the iTaukei Trust Fund Board, joined in asserting that proper planning is crucial for any successful business venture. He urged the Toge villagers, as leaders in resource management, to adhere to a clear vision of financial growth while maintaining transparency.
This initiative reflects broader efforts in Fiji to bolster business ownership among the iTaukei community, which remains significantly low—currently around five percent of businesses. Similar workshops and community-driven strategies reflect a collective move towards facilitating entrepreneurship and enhancing economic resilience.
The hopeful takeaway from this development is that stronger community engagement and planning can lead to increased business ownership, fostering greater financial independence and a thriving local economy. By prioritizing collaboration and support for one another, iTaukei communities have the potential to uplift themselves and create a brighter future for all residents.
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