Women have been urged to assist young individuals aiming to launch their businesses. Losana Marama, a representative from West Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, stressed the importance of the Young Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES) during a women’s conference held at Gurukul Primary School in Saweni, Lautoka.
Marama explained that the scheme’s goal is to offer grants to young entrepreneurs with innovative and viable business ideas. The Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport provides financial aid of up to $30,000 to entrepreneurs aged 18 to 40 to cultivate or grow their creative business concepts.
“If your child has innovative and creative ideas, they can access this funding,” Marama stated. She highlighted that many young people are inspired by business trends seen on platforms like TikTok that are not yet explored in Fiji, and assured attendees that assistance in securing funding is available.
The funding, she emphasized, is a grant, not a loan, and is fully financed. “If you notice a skill in your child, encourage and empower them,” she advised. Marama acknowledged the essential contribution of young entrepreneurs to economic growth and stressed the need for parents and guardians to inspire their children to become “job creators” instead of merely “job seekers.”
The West Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) office is situated at Rogorogoivuda House in Lautoka.