Twelve business owners celebrated their graduation from the Fiji Enterprise Engine (FEE) program in Suva on Wednesday, marking the completion of the sixth cohort for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within this private sector-led business accelerator initiative.
During the ceremony, Chief Guest Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, emphasized the significance of the FEE program, highlighting that it requires a great deal of resilience, determination, and a passion for entrepreneurial learning. He encouraged the participants by saying the opportunities now available to them are limitless.
Edward Bernard, CEO of the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF), expressed his admiration for the MSME owners who dedicated six months to the program, equipping themselves with valuable tools and knowledge to enhance their entrepreneurial skills and grow their businesses. Bernard noted that this cohort was the first to utilize the Entrepreneurial Business System in collaboration with Hummingbird for a three-month pilot, and he considered the initiative a successful venture.
Overall, the FEE program has positively impacted the growth of over 76 businesses and, with these latest graduates, has expanded its alumnae network to 88 enterprises. The initiative demonstrates the commitment of FCEF to nurture and support local business development in Fiji.
In summary, the graduation of this cohort reflects a strong community movement towards fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in Fiji. The determination and efforts of these business owners suggest a promising future for their ventures, contributing positively to the local economy.
This graduate program is not just about individual businesses, but also signifies a collective effort towards building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Fiji, heralding a hopeful future for local commerce.
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