Grant helps entrepreneur expand coconut products
COCONUT trees are often referred to as the ‘tree of life’ as they provide food, medicine, drinks, and even cosmetics.
In fact, for us islanders, growing up we are taught that all parts of a coconut tree are useful. From its leaves, fruits, trunk and right to the roots, all these can be used for a useful purpose.
For local entrepreneur and Niu Coconut Bliss Fiji owner Akanisi Adimaiwai, the knowledge and skill of making soap out of coconut was something she learnt from her grandfather.
Ms Adimaiwai was one of 10 local entrepreneurs who were recipients of close to $280,000 in total grants under the Ministry of Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises’ 2023-2024 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) grant program.
The recipients were selected from three programs — Young Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES) program, Trade Enhancement Program (TEP), and the National Export Strategy (NES) program.
She, and two other recipients received $1000 each under the TEP grant.
Ms Adimaiwai said her grandfather used to make soaps from coconut but none of his children followed in his footsteps.
While she gained knowledge of making soap from her grandfather, it was through research, and a number of employment opportunities which she undertook that introduced her to other byproducts of coconut.
She retired from her job in 2019 and took over the running of the business from her grandfather.
With the little knowledge she had, Ms Adimaiwai started making other coconut byproducts such as body oil, body butter, and others.
At the moment, she’s selling her products from the FNPF Downtown Boulevard where she pays money for space to sell from.
“I’m grateful for this assistance because it helps us in growing our business. Most of us started without capital but mine, it was an existing business,” she said.
“I started off with my savings and then with this assistance, it helps me in getting more and more products or raw materials and all that.”