Kelepi Stark exemplifies the potential of young entrepreneurs making an impact through the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) and the Fiji Commerce Employers Federation (FCEF). At just 22 years old, Stark has successfully launched ‘Stark’s Catering’ with the help of a $5,000 grant awarded after completing a pilot training program aimed at equipping university graduates with essential business skills.
Operating from his home in Suva, Stark draws on both financial support and the knowledge acquired from the training program to overcome the hurdles typically faced by new businesses. His journey began with a simple goal: to find an affordable phone that could produce quality images for marketing his culinary creations.
Despite juggling his studies at the University of the South Pacific (USP) and a part-time tutoring job, Stark remains committed to his entrepreneurial aspirations. His dedication to managing his time effectively reflects the determination that has driven many young entrepreneurs in Fiji. Stark emphasized the necessity of pursuing one’s passions and tells future participants not to get caught up in the idea of needing to be radically innovative. Instead, he believes that authenticity and personal connection to one’s business can define innovation.
Stark’s perspective is echoed in the journeys of other young entrepreneurs like Leone Nabaraki, who transformed his small food service into a multi-faceted business despite significant challenges posed by the pandemic. These stories highlight a growing trend in Fiji where young entrepreneurs are supported not only through funding but also through a network that emphasizes community and personal relevance in business.
Stark’s hope is to grow ‘Stark’s Catering’ into a sustainable enterprise that celebrates community ties through food. He urges future program participants to focus on genuine storytelling within their business ventures, emphasizing that their entrepreneurial path is a reflection of their identity and values.
The TSLS and FCEF’s support plays a crucial role in fostering a thriving entrepreneurial landscape in Fiji, which in turn can contribute to job creation and economic growth. By sharing their stories and successes, young entrepreneurs like Stark are not only inspiring their peers but also paving the way for a more robust future of self-employment and innovation in the region. Such initiatives promise a brighter horizon for Fiji’s youth, where they can chase their dreams and create meaningful opportunities within their communities.
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