The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF), in collaboration with the Tertiary Scholarship and Loan Service (TSLS), has inaugurated the 2026 Graduate Business Start-Up Grant Scheme, a significant initiative with a budget of $500,000 aimed at nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among graduates. This program is designed to provide support to individuals with innovative, viable, and scalable business concepts.
The launch event saw the participation of key figures including Chief Guest Na Gone Marama Bale, Na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, TSLS Board Chairperson, along with Dr. Apisalome Mavono, the CEO of TSLS, and Eldon Eastgate, FCEF’s President.
Originally introduced in 2024 with a $300,000 budget intended for 30 graduates, this grant scheme aims to pave the way for self-employment opportunities among Fiji’s youth. In its inaugural year, 27 graduates enrolled, and 22 succeeded in completing the program.
The initiative is facilitated through FCEF’s Fiji Enterprise Engine (FEE), which stands as the nation’s first private sector-led incubator and business accelerator. A recent landscape assessment conducted by the Market Development Facility and the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs revealed that from 2019 to 2023, FEE alumni collectively achieved a remarkable increase in sales revenue totaling $2.18 million. They also created at least 30 job opportunities and generated nearly $825,000 in additional income, alongside approximately $1.36 million in secured grant and debt financing.
Participants in the program can expect comprehensive support over a six-month period, which includes market research, business training, advisory services, coaching and mentoring, as well as assistance in drafting and testing business plans. Additionally, participants will receive a start-up grant of FJ$5,000 to catalyze their entrepreneurial ventures.
Notably, the 2026 program will also see the inclusion of an international partner, the University of New South Wales, further enhancing the support network for Fijian entrepreneurs. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the government’s strategic plan for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which aspires to boost the sector’s contribution to Fiji’s GDP from 18 percent to an ambitious 40 percent.
Training for the new cohort will commence immediately, with a ceremonial grant presentation scheduled for April to honor the successful participants, leading up to business pitches and graduation events in July. This positive development represents a significant step toward fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in Fiji, showcasing the commitment to empowering the next generation of business leaders.
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