Women are being urged to support young individuals interested in launching their own businesses.
Losana Marama, a representative from West Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, addressed attendees at a women’s conference held at Gurukul Primary School in Saweni, Lautoka, regarding the Young Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES) program.
Ms. Marama explained that the scheme aims to provide grants to young entrepreneurs with innovative and viable business ideas and projects. The Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism, and Transport offers financial support of up to $30,000 to successful applicants aged 18 to 40 years for the development or expansion of their creative business concepts.
“If your child has inventive and artistic ideas, they can tap into this funding,” Ms. Marama stated. “Sometimes they see trendy business concepts from platforms like TikTok that haven’t been implemented in Fiji; they can reach out to us for assistance in accessing these funds.”
“The grant limit is $30,000. It’s not a loan but fully funded support. If you identify a talent in your child, encourage and empower them,” she added.
Ms. Marama emphasized the vital role of young entrepreneurs in fostering economic growth. “As parents and guardians, we should inspire and encourage our children to become ‘job creators’ instead of ‘job seekers,’” she remarked.
The West Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) office is located at Rogorogoivuda House in Lautoka.