Small start-ups benefit from the Sinu festival
‘It’s good money, we were able to cover the cost of stall fees within the first two days’
It’s food galore at the Valelevu grounds as barbecue stalls and fast food outlets line up to serve festival goers at the Vodafone Millennium Sinu Festival. For many small businesses, the festival is a lucrative opportunity to rake in additional income despite new and increasing competition.
For Ifereimi Tuisawau and his friends, having a barbecue stall at the Sinu Festival was an attempt to experiment a business idea. “We always noticed small businesses during carnivals making use of the opportunity so this time around we decided to give it try,” Mr Tuisawau said.
“It’s good money, we were able to cover the cost of stall fees within the first two days.”
The group hails from the Island of Nairai in Lomaiviti, but has been living in Cunningham for the past
couple of years.
“Coming from the islands we had never tried anything like this, but looking at the potential, this could be a starting point for our business,” he said.
“Seeing the business do well, it is proud moment for us and we will try and encourage other youths who come from the islands looking for employment to make use of opportunities like this.
“Most of us are either working or studying, so this is great way for us to make a little extra cash.” While there was tough competition, Mr Tuisawau said it all came down to good quality.
“We are new, so the competition out there is a big challenge but if the quality is good, then customers will come.
“And now that we have seen the potential, we will be having stalls in other festivals as well.”