Successful Green Business Bootcamp
Shenal Harakh is the founder of her eponymous software development agency Shenal (www.shenal.online), which builds tech products for startup clients around the world.
She is currently based in Fiji and is running workshops to digitally upskill communities. Head to HttPs://fiJI.sHENAL.ONLINE/ to sign up and keep up to date with new workshops, or follow her work on LinkedIn: Shenal Harakh or Twitter: @shenalyo.
Greenhouse Coworking, Fiji’s first full-service virtual and in-person coworking community, recently wrapped up its first-ever Green Business Bootcamp.
The bootcamp involved an intensive programme designed to equip emerging entrepreneurs in Fiji with the skills and knowledge to launch and grow sustainable businesses amid the challenges posed by climate change.
The three-day bootcamp, supported by the Australian Government’s Market Development Facility, aimed to support significant strides towards fostering eco-conscious entrepreneurship within the region. Five participants graduated from the bootcamp with refined business models and a clear understanding of critical elements of growing a successful green business such as value propositions, customer segments, revenue streams and environmental costs and benefits.
They were also able to develop a succinct elevator pitch and gained hands-on experience in financial planning with easy-to-use templates.
One of the graduates, founder of Finding Islands Tours Silina Bale said, “The past three days have been a big learning curve for me. “I loved the constructive feedback from the trainers as it enabled me to refine my value proposition, better understand my business, and refine my understanding of running a business in general.
“I run a tour business that crafts environmentally-conscious experiences for those who want to discover different parts of Fiji, and being able to learn from those who have been in the sustainable tourism space for a while and how they navigated through the challenges in their business journeys, are for me invaluable advice that will help me shape my business.
“Thank you to Greenhouse Coworking for this rich, jam-packed, and fulfilling bootcamp!” Education specialist Artila Devi, who was looking to start her own consultancy said, “The Greenhouse Coworking Green Business Bootcamp proved critical in my ideation phase of starting a business.
“I met fellow participants in various stages of their journey and was able to share, ask questions and learn in a safe, welcoming environment.
“The trainers and facilitators were encouraging and compassionate, but also challenged me to expand my thinking.”
The Green Business Bootcamp included an impressive group of guests from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Global Green Growth Initiative (GGGI) to offer insights into green business practices, business compliance and market development strategies. There was an incredible panel of experts and trainers such as KPMG Partner - Business & Tax Advisory Meliki Tuinamuana; Munro Leys Partner Richard Naidu; renowned Entrepreneurship Trainer Steve Cordiero, who is a seasoned entrepreneur himself with over 30 years’ experience working in Fiji and the Pacific; Nazia Sheik a Certified Chartered Accountant who specialises in compliance, finance management and audit; and Pitch Specialist Takia Ross, owner of Accessmatized Make-up Artistry and creator of US-based Kiki Thunda Cosmetics, to name a few.
During the graduation, Maria Ronna Luna Pastorizo-Sekiguchi, founder of Greenhouse Coworking, expressed her excitement about the programme’s outcomes.
“We’re helping to cultivate a community of forward-thinking leaders dedicated to sustainability and innovation,” she said.
“I’m incredibly proud of our graduates for the commitment, and I’m optimistic about the ripple effect their ventures will have on our economy and environment in the longer term.
“We are very grateful to all those that have partnered with us; the local and international trainers, speakers, and panel of experts that have generously shared their knowledge and skills in business and entrepreneurship over the last three days.”
Australian High Commission’s Counsellor Andrew Shepherd also applauded the initiative, emphasising Australia’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth in Fiji.
“The Australian Government, through our Market Development Facility, is thrilled to support Greenhouse Coworking and initiatives like the Green Business Bootcamp, which align with our vision for a prosperous, sustainable future for the Pacific,” Mr Shepherd said. “The success of these entrepreneurs is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets opportunity.
“I would like to acknowledge Greenhouse Coworking, a small business itself, for its vision and dedication towards supporting MSME growth through initiatives like this bootcamp and the community it fosters through its membership and networks.”
The Green Business Bootcamp was held from March 26 to 28. Greenhouse Coworking is owned and managed by The Greenhouse Studio, an award-winning, multidisciplinary, Fiji-based creative studio, that specialises in branding, print, digital, and integrated communication experiences, with a focus on finding innovative solutions that inspire change.
Find out more about Greenhouse Coworking at www.greenhouseco. work. Learn more about The Greenhouse Studio at www.greenhouse.