Women have been urged to support young individuals aspiring to launch their own businesses.
Losana Marama, representing West Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, spoke at a women’s conference held at Gurukul Primary School in Saweni, Lautoka. She highlighted the benefits of the Young Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES) program.
Ms. Marama explained that the scheme aims to assist young and emerging entrepreneurs with grants for their innovative and viable business ideas. The Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport provides financial assistance of up to $30,000 to successful applicants aged 18 to 40 years, enabling them to develop or expand their creative business concepts.
“If your child has innovative and creative ideas, they can access this funding,” Ms. Marama stated. She noted that while young people may come across business ideas popularized on platforms like TikTok, which may not yet be implemented in Fiji, they can seek aid from the scheme.
“The maximum funding is $30,000, provided as a grant, not a loan. It is fully funded. If you recognize a skill in your child, aim to motivate and empower them,” she added.
Ms. Marama emphasized that the Government acknowledges the essential role of young entrepreneurs in driving economic growth. “As parents and guardians, we should inspire and encourage our children to become ‘job creators’ rather than ‘job seekers,’” she underscored.
The West Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) office is located at Rogorogoivuda House in Lautoka.