Women are being urged to support young entrepreneurs interested in starting their own businesses.
During a women’s conference held at Gurukul Primary School in Saweni, Lautoka, Losana Marama from West Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises highlighted the benefits of the Young Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES) program.
Ms. Marama explained that the scheme is designed to provide grants to young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 40 who possess innovative and viable business ideas. The Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism, and Transport offers financial assistance up to $30,000 to help these individuals either develop or expand their business concepts.
She emphasized that this funding is accessible to young people with creative ideas, mentioning that if a child has a promising business concept inspired by trends seen on platforms like TikTok, they can seek help to secure funding.
“This is a grant, not a loan. It is fully funded, with a limit of $30,000. If you recognize a skill in your child, it’s important to motivate and empower them,” Ms. Marama stated.
She also acknowledged the vital contribution of young entrepreneurs to the country’s economic growth, urging parents and guardians to inspire their children to become job creators rather than job seekers.
The West Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises office is situated at Rogorogoivuda House in Lautoka.