Entrepreneurs graduate
15 local small businesses complete program
FIFTEEN local small business entrepreneurs graduated from the Fiji Enterprise Engine (FEE) ‘survive, revive and grow’ program held on Thursday at the Green House Studio in Suva.
Out of the 15 graduates, 60 per cent were women.
The businesses were part of the second cohort of graduating micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) entrepreneurs under the FEE business accelerator program and represent a diverse range of local business, including value-added agricultural products, fashion and technology.
The MSMEs had successfully completed the six-month FEE program which was managed by the Fiji Commerce and Employer’s Federation (FCEF) with support from the Australian Government’s Market Development Facility (MDF).
Officiating at the event, Minister for Education Premila Kumar said the FEE had come a long way since it started in 2019.
“Despite COVID-19 and the problems that we face throughout that period most of you know that learning institutions were closed, businesses were closed, but I don’t how you all did it despite that closure,” she said.
“This program continued, coaching continued, work continued, and today we are gathering here to see the graduation of 15 entrepreneurs. So this is a remarkable achievement.
“I would like to applaud FCEF working in partnership with the Australian Government that actually funded MDF and I thank them most sincerely for ensuring continuity of coaching during this difficult time.”
Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Fiji Paul Wilson said the Australian Government, through MDF, was proud to support MSMEs in Fiji.
“MDF is Australia’s flagship private sector engagement program and I’m pleased to see the partnership with FCEF has resulted in Fiji’s private sector business accelerator program.
“It’s now in its second year of operation and the FEE has established itself as one of the most successful and effective small business development services in the country.
“MSMEs have contributed to about 18 per cent of Fiji’s GDP and account for 60 per cent of employment across all sectors.
“And all of you are making a pivotal contribution towards Fiji’s private sector and economy.”
FCEF president Vinay Narsey said the FEE program complimented FCEF’s suite of business Development Services to actively support MSME development.
“FEE resources are also accessible to MSME sector council members through the support of the ILO and the MDF,” he said.
“Even through a very challenging time, the FEE program provided support services to MSMEs outside of its actual design.
“Working with a range of partners, we were able to provide free webinars, business coaching and counselling - to transition to business and business development services programs.
“Registrations are now open for the 2022 cohort and I encourage MSMEs to apply to be part of a dynamic program with proven results.”
Elite Nano Pacific owner Payal Pooja said the program not only molded and build her as an individual but also as an entrepreneur.
“When I walked into this program personally, my accounting system was haywire,” she said.
“Now I’m proud to say I know where my financials are and how invoices look like. And I’m very thankful for the FEE program.
“We are blessed and everybody knows how important the MSMEs are and to support us individually trying to become independent entrepreneurs.
“We need more programs so we could not only learn from coaches but from each other as well.”
The next 2022 FEE intake will begin next month.