133 women graduate from Academy for Women Entrepreneurs after learning business skills

133 women now have the knowledge and skills to start their own businesses after going through 7 months of training and graduating from the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs.

Christina Clark, who graduated today says they are now more than prepared to move on and take on challenges that may come next in their business.

She says she hopes the women will continue to support and encourage each other in their future business endeavours in the same way they have supported each other during their classes.

While congratulating the women during the virtual graduation ceremony, Minister for Commerce, Faiyaz Koya says their accomplishment makes them ambassadors of thousands of other women at home.

He says as Fijians, we have been privileged to see and hear stories of hope during these tough times and this has been clearly demonstrated by entrepreneurial women who have realised opportunities amidst the pandemic.

Koya has assured the women that the Fijian Government will provide the necessary support to provide them with the enabling environment to assist them to succeed.

The Minister has also thanked the U.S. Embassy for their support through the U.S. State Department funding of $46,840.

US Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires to Fiji, Tony Greubel says 2021 was a difficult year for all of us but these women did not let the challenges of the pandemic stop them from pursuing their dreams.

He says they saw this opportunity to sharpen their skills and for many of them, they were taking a leap onto an entirely new career path by becoming entrepreneurs.