In Toge Village, the sustainability of local businesses was prioritized at a recent workshop that culminated in the unveiling of a new village strategy and business plan. Participants, including resident Salote Waqali, engaged in activities aimed at enhancing their understanding of strategic planning, crucial for securing funding for education and overall community welfare. On February 14, Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Ifereimi Vasu, presented certificates to attendees and emphasized the importance of effective business planning in fostering economic development.
Waqali expressed her gratitude for the insights gained during the workshop, particularly regarding profit-sharing and community welfare. Inspired by her training, she aims to establish a small business selling cooked food. Minister Vasu highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration among villagers in their business pursuits, encouraging ongoing support in profit-sharing arrangements.
Aisake Taito, CEO of the iTaukei Trust Fund Board, reinforced the message of strategic planning as a fundamental element for success in business ventures. He called upon the villagers, as stewards of their resources, to maintain a clear vision of financial growth alongside transparency.
This initiative reflects a broader push in Fiji to increase business ownership within the iTaukei community, which currently sees only about five percent of businesses owned by its members. The positive impact of community-driven workshops is evident, as they contribute to encouraging entrepreneurship and strengthening economic resilience.
Overall, this development showcases that through strong community engagement and proactive planning, iTaukei communities can enhance business ownership, promote financial independence, and work towards building a thriving local economy. The future looks promising as these villagers take steps to uplift themselves and create a brighter future together.
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