The Fiji SME Business Owners Network aims to represent small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) operators across the nation, according to founder Kim Beddoes. She has embarked on a 12-town tour that began in Rakiraki on Monday, aimed at strengthening the network and influencing the future of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Fiji.
Ms. Beddoes emphasized the importance of collaboration among small business owners and expressed a desire to formalize the network to ensure their voices are heard in national decision-making processes. She noted, “A lot happens in the name of small businesses, but those making decisions often have no experience running one.”
By establishing a formal organization, the network hopes to provide valuable feedback to the government, ensuring that the concerns and experiences of small business owners are represented. Ms. Beddoes highlighted that legislation affecting SMEs is often created without direct input from those it impacts, a situation she aims to change.
The five-day tour will include informal meetings lasting about an hour with MSMEs across 12 towns. Achieving this milestone is significant for the Fiji SME Business Owners Network, which currently spans over 630 members from various industries throughout the country.