Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) and the iTaukei Trust Fund Board (TTFB) have teamed up to empower iTaukei and Rotuman entrepreneurs by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on enhancing business acumen within these communities. This collaboration signifies a strong commitment to nurturing sustainable economic growth and improving the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Fiji.
The MoU lays out strategic initiatives aimed at providing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with access to BAF’s extensive professional network and resources. As part of this, entrepreneurs will receive training in vital areas such as financial literacy and business management. BAF’s General Manager, Ramesh Chand, underscored the importance of this partnership, stating, “By working together, we can ensure that entrepreneurs in these communities receive the support, mentorship, and resources they need to succeed.”
TTFB will play a pivotal role by guiding MSMEs to engage with BAF’s services, while both organizations will work together to connect businesses with local advisors and growth-oriented subsidies. An essential part of this collaboration includes the Business and Investment Ready Grant Assistance program at TTFB, which focuses on providing essential business diagnostics and links to approved service providers.
Aisake Taito, CEO of TTFB, stressed the importance of building capacity within iTaukei and Rotuman businesses, encouraging a move toward greater independence and self-sufficiency. This partnership aims to create an environment that fosters innovation and sustainable business practices through enhanced information sharing, promotional events, and a push for MSME development.
The initiative aligns with prior efforts shared by Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, who has highlighted systemic challenges faced by iTaukei entrepreneurs, particularly regarding financial education and resource access. Recent workshops and grants introduced by TTFB have focused on empowering local business owners, particularly in sectors like community tourism and sustainable initiatives.
By pooling their expertise and resources, BAF and TTFB aspire to create a lasting foundation for economic achievement. This collaboration is viewed as an encouraging sign of potential for a new generation of entrepreneurial endeavors that could revolutionize the economic landscape for iTaukei and Rotuman communities. Emphasizing inclusivity and sustainable development, this partnership shines a hopeful light on the future of business growth in Fiji.
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