7,500 people qualify for Micro and Small Business Grant initiative

7,500 people have qualified for assistance under the Government’s Micro and Small Business Grant initiative throughout Fiji.

126 people received $1,000 each from the government today under this initiative while 330 small business owners received their cheques on Tuesday.

While handing over the grant cheques in Navua, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says he was pleased to see that the business spirit is alive and well in our rural communities as a number of people travelled from the highlands of Namosi and from the villages in the province of Serua. 

Bainimarama says the whole purpose of this exercise is to ignite and encourage a love of business among ordinary people.

He adds by working hard, identifying opportunities and taking risks these enterprises eventually grow.

Bainimarama has also urged everyone to encourage an even greater partnership between big businesses and small businesses to extend the current opportunities for ordinary Fijians to participate in the national economy.

One of the grant recipients, Jimi Ravetau of Wainimakitu, Namosi says the grant will boost his plans to expand his dalo farm.

Ravetau adds he will use the money to buy machinery and expand their production.

He also plans to start producing ginger.

Another recipient, Lavenia Nawaqa of Burotu village says she bakes bread for the village and she will now be able to buy new materials for her bakery.

A total of $456,000 have been given so far under the Government’s Micro and Small Business Grant initiative.