YES for Tiny Houses!
Engineering graduate Siwan Narayan believes there is hope and a market for small and affordable homes.
Graduating with a degree in engineering in electrical and electronics from the University of the South Pacific, he caught the attention of the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES) panel after submitting his innovative idea of tiny houses.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was the chief guest at the launch of the Young Entrepreneurship Scheme or “YES” under the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism held at the Grand Pacific Hotel last night.
After getting inspiration from a television programme called “Tiny House Nation” which has become popular in the United States, he hopes to duplicate the idea in the local market.
The concept of tiny houses is not alien to Fiji as many at times containers have been transformed into offices and temporary houses. “My father is a small contractor and he inspires me to start small and cater for people in the squatter settlements for a better life,” said Mr Narayan.
“I want the unemployed youth to come and work with me and learn and grow with the skills I have obtained though experiences in the industry.
“I want to build tiny houses so that we utilise the land to its full capacity and families can live comfortably”.
Through the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme, Siwan will receive up to $20,000 to develop his idea and even receive mentorship and guidance from the YES panel. Coming from a close knit community of Velovelo in Lautoka, he is very keen to provide the community with small but durable houses. Mr Narayan has said that, smaller houses require less land thus it will be cheaper to construct. The Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme has generated a lot of new ideas and opportunities that the recipients of the grant can build on. Mr Bainimarama said: “We are gathered here this evening because we all share a deep and abiding belief in the power and potential of young Fijians.
“We are here to celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of five young men and women who have put forward innovative ideas that we believe are going to seriously shape the Fiji of tomorrow.
These young people have been selected by the YES judging panel after demonstrating that they not only have great business ideas, but that they have a game plan to turn those ideas into profitable businesses. “I would like to thank the men and women from the private sector who have stepped up to the plate to support this important initiative, by helping select our winners and giving of their time and expertise to help guide our young entrepreneurs to success.
“Our private sector partners come from a wide range of backgrounds including banking, ICT, manufacturing, agriculture, energy, pharmaceuticals, and the services industry. Together, they form a wealth of knowledge that will prove invaluable for our young entrepreneurs.
“I would like to especially recognise our Panel Chair, Saud Minam, the Head of ANZ Bank in Fiji. Thank you, sir, for your commitment.
The five men and women being recognised this evening have already begun the programme of mentorship through the YES initiative, and that will continue over the next month.
Afterwards, they will all be eligible to receive grant funding of up to $20,000 to pursue their business ideas.
“And I know we all look forward to watching their businesses grow here in Fiji and one day, hopefully, far beyond our shores. “First, we have Siwan Shachin Narayan from Lautoka who aspires to launch a business to construct small family homes to expand access to affordable housing options for the Fijian people. “Next, we have Sandhya Sivanjali Gounder from Nadi, who is looking to begin a hydroponic farm in Fiji, an innovative method of growing plants without soil using mineral nutrient solutions.
“Rovial Ryanl Kumar from Votualevu, also wants to start an agri-business, by applying organic farming techniques to grow seeds and leverage technology to promote more intelligent farm planning.
“Next, we have Atunaisa Rainima from Tailevu who wants to start a lawn and landscaping services business that converts garden refuse into cooking gas.
“And finally, we have Vincent Padiachy from Labasa as he would like to venture into bee farming to produce honey milk flavoured ice cream. And, who knows, maybe Fijian honey milk ice cream will eventually become among our top exports.
You are all embarking on a very exciting journey, but anyone who has succeeded in business can tell you, it won’t all be roses.
Your progress will be uneven, there will be moments of frustration. But in those moments, you will be taught the most impactful lessons of all, you will grow and you will emerge better, stronger and more capable of greatness. Always know that your Government believes in you, we support you, and we want you to do well. Always know that your fellow Fijians are rooting for you to succeed, for yourselves, for your families and for Fiji. I wish you all the best, and I am very much looking forward to follow your progress in the months and years ahead. Congratulations.”
About the logo
The YES logo was consecutively launched, with the YES awards. The logo depicts an open hand which youth budding out from it. The open hand represented the government and its support towards the youth which budded into many successful entrepreneurs. The thought behind the logo was targeted at the trust the Fijian government has towards the youth as they are the innovators and backbone of the economy.
The YES logo was aimed at encouraging the youth to come forth with more innovative ideas which could be further incubated by the YES panel and proper guidance can be given.
I would like to thank the men and women from the private sector who have stepped up to the plate to support this important initiative, by helping select our winners and giving of their time and expertise to help guide our young entrepreneurs to success. Voreqe Bainimarama Prime Minister