Women Better Equipped to Run Business: Tinai

Observing people in her village switch from paid employment to business start-ups, Lice Tinai decided to follow suit.

She told her husband, an electrician, about her plan to start a small yaqona and cigarette business from their home in Waidradra Settlement in Navua.

The couple, after an intense brainstorming session, applied for the Government Micro and Small Business Grant (MSBG) and received the money in 2015.

Ms Tinai, 29, took-over after this.

She bought 28 kilogrammes of yaqona from a supplier in Vanua Levu, along with boxes of cigarettes, and started selling yaqona for $5 in 100 gramme bags.

“I always believed women were better-equipped to manage business compared to men,” the Rakiraki native said.

“The grant, if anything, really helped me kick-start the business and I’m proud to say that my income is helping pay for my children’s education.”

Despite a few setbacks and stiff competition from other yaqona peddlers in the settlement, Ms Tinai persevered.

“I think it doesn’t stop at the grant. When I began planning for this business I knew the amount of work that would be needed,” she said. “I also have a day job as a sales person but one day hope to turn my full focus towards my business in pursuit of success.”

I always believed women were better-equipped to manage business compared to men. The grant, if anything, really helped me kick-start the business and I’m proud to say that my income is helping pay for my children’s education.