Women are being urged to support youth 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, highlighting the Young Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES) program.
Ms. Marama explained that the scheme provides grants to young entrepreneurs with innovative and viable business ideas. The Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism, and Transport offers financial assistance of up to $30,000 for successful applicants aged between 18 and 40 to develop or enhance their creative business concepts.
“If your child has innovative and creative ideas, they can access this funding,” said Ms. Marama. She noted how young individuals often find inspiration from business ideas on TikTok that are not yet implemented in Fiji, stating that support is available to help bring those concepts to fruition.
“The maximum grant is $30,000. It is a grant, not a loan. It is fully funded. If you recognize a skill in your child, strive to motivate and empower them,” she added.
Ms. Marama emphasized the importance of young entrepreneurs in driving economic growth, urging parents and guardians to inspire their children to become “job creators” rather than “job seekers.”
The West Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) office can be found at Rogorogoivuda House in Lautoka.