The Fiji SME Business Owners Network aims to represent small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) operators across the nation, as stated by the founder, Kim Beddoes. She has embarked on a 12-town tour starting in Rakiraki, with the goal of reinforcing the network and influencing the future of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Fiji.
“We want to share information about the network and emphasize the importance of collaboration among small business owners,” Ms. Beddoes explained. “Our aim is to formalize this network to ensure we have a voice in decision-making processes in our country.”
She highlighted the disparity in decision-making, noting, “Many initiatives are undertaken in the name of small businesses, often by individuals without any experience in operating one.” By establishing a formal network, the organization hopes to give SMEs a platform to voice their concerns and provide authentic feedback to the current government.
“Decisions made at the top levels directly impact us,” Ms. Beddoes remarked. “Laws that affect small businesses are often made without consulting us directly, but that situation has arisen because such a network did not exist previously.”
The five-day tour will include informal hour-long meetings with MSMEs across 12 towns and is seen as a significant milestone for the Fiji SME Business Owners Network, which currently has over 630 members across various industries nationwide.