Venue: Multipurpose Bure – Adjacent Ground
Honourable Ministers;
Permanent Secretaries and Senior Government Officials;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen
Bula Vinaka, Tara na Cola and a very good afternoon to you all.
It is always a pleasure to be here in Ba – to continue the disbursement of one of Government’s popular programs, the micro and small business grant initiative
This afternoon, is an auspicious event as we will witness the awarding of grants to successful micro and small business grant recipients here in Ba that are part of the newly successful 11,871 applicants for the 2016-17 financial year.
I am extremely proud that this initiative, which was launched in 2014 has come a long way in empowering the grassroot community.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
One of the main objectives of the Fijian Government is to see our local businesses grow from within our economy and contribute to our nation’s economic growth. Hence, initiatives such as the Micro and Small Business Grant are designed to ensure that we meet those objectives.
The micro and small businesses also develop the community, as through these micro-grants they are able to go into a new business or expand their existing business. This leads to growth in the community, as employment is created and because people have disposal income they are able to purchase products and services.
Just this morning, I distributed grants to 817 people in Rakiraki. And now I am here in Ba to award grants to another 309 successful recipients because you all have the ability to positively contribute in building our economy strong from within.
After today’s event, a total of 13,205 micro and small businesses have been assisted. This has impacted the livelihoods of more than 66,000 ordinary Fijians.
Ladies and Gentlemen
I wish to emphasise that the Fijian Government will continue to ensure that those genuinely require assistance, will be assisted accordingly and at the same time, benefit dearly from this grant scheme. This is an indication on how important the MSME sector is, to the Fijian Government, given the important role the sector plays as the engine to stimulate economic growth.
We want you to put this money to good use. To buy what you need to start your own business or to improve the business you already have. Your ability to grow, means the creation of new and additional jobs, leading to a healthy monetary exchange in your community. You not only have the ability to provide for your family, but contribute to the betterment of your community.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To share some highlights of this Grant Initiative, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism undertook an impact assessment to measure the impact on the businesses and livelihoods of those that were assisted in 2015. It was encouraging to note the positive results of the assessment.
I want to outline some success stories:
- Mr. Nacanieli of Labasa was provided with $1000 for his Dairy Farm business. The grant assistance has provided additional boost to his business, which has also contributed to improvement in his family standard of living. His income increased from $50 to now $100 per week.
- Mrs. Elizabeth Lomami was assisted with $999 to start her canteen business. This has allowed her to earn a weekly income of $100/week.
- Mr. Anare Tokakole of Lautoka was assisted with $1,000 for his Handicraft business. The grant assistance has allowed him to earn monthly sales of $600.00
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The success stories I have just highlighted are meant to encourage you to work harder and smarter towards expanding or starting your own business and to take the necessary steps to improve your business and standard of living.
Therefore, I urge you all to take ownership and utilize the grant assistance for its intended purposes. Work hard in terms of running your various businesses. And please remember that the Fijian Government has invested and placed its trust in you, to contribute positively in uplifting the MSME sector and at the same time improve your livelihoods.
Ladies and Gentlemen
With those few words, I wish you well in your business ventures.
Thank You and Vinaka Vakalevu