BAF connects with MSMEs in maritime zone

FOR the first time, Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) conducted an awareness workshop for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on Taveuni Island.

Thirty-two MSMEs from various sectors participated in the Taveuni Awareness Workshop, held on Friday, January 26, 2024, at the Taveuni Central School.

Participants had the opportunity to learn about services provided by BAF and Business

Link Pacific (BLP).

Fiji Development Bank (FDB) discussed the loan products available specifically for MSMEs, the importance of business plans, and financial literacy.

BAF received positive feedback from the MSMEs.

Mereoni Lauvili, the 65-yearold owner of Oni’s Craft and Tailoring, expressed her enthusiasm about learning about BAF during the awareness workshop.

“I am glad to be part of this awareness workshop because I got to know that there are organisations like BAF and BLP that help support small businesses like mine,” she said.

Ms Lauvili mentioned she learned valuable business management skills during the workshop.

Serefina Bui, who runs Serefina Enterprises, shared her experience of attending such a workshop for the first time.

“This is the first time for me to attend such a workshop and whatever I have learned during this workshop will help me run my business,” she said.

Mereoni Marama, owner of Mereoni Marama Enterprises, highlighted the significance of attending workshops like these.

“At this workshop, I have learned about the importance of maintaining proper records and preparing financial statements for my business,” she said.

Inspired by this workshop, a number of MSMEs from Taveuni have registered for the MSME Conference.

BAF plans to conduct more workshops on Taveuni and will extend outreach to MSMEs on other maritime islands.