Women are being encouraged to support the entrepreneurial ambitions of young people.
Losana Marama, representing West Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, addressed attendees at a women’s conference held at Gurukul Primary School in Saweni, Lautoka, discussing the Young Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES) program.
She explained that the scheme aims to assist young entrepreneurs with grants for their innovative and viable business ideas. The Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism, and Transport provides financial support of up to $30,000 for successful applicants aged 18 to 40 to help them develop or expand their creative business concepts.
“If your child has innovative and creative ideas, they can access this funding,” Ms. Marama noted, emphasizing that if they have seen successful business models from abroad, such as those popularized on TikTok that haven’t yet been implemented in Fiji, they should seek help to access these funds.
She clarified that the funding, which caps at $30,000, is a grant, not a loan, and is fully funded. “If you see a skill in a child, try to motivate and empower them,” she urged.
Ms. Marama highlighted the Government’s recognition of the vital role young entrepreneurs play in economic growth. She called on parents and guardians to inspire their children to become job creators instead of job seekers.
The West Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) office is situated at Rogorogoivuda House in Lautoka.