2,331 people from the provinces of Rewa, Tailevu, Naitasiri and the Suva‑Nausori corridor have today become recipients of the government’s Small and Micro Enterprises Scheme at Ratu Cakobau Park.
Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Koya officiated at the disbursement of the $1,000 grants.
The 2,331 recipients are now part of the 9,748 people who have already received the grants which has totaled $9.3 million.
The 2017/2018 National Budget for Small and Micro Enterprise grants is $6.4 million.
Koya says it has always been one of the government's visions that ordinary Fijians have access to sustainable and successful lifestyles and grants such as these will contribute to the economy of Fiji.
70-year-old Serupepeli Toba from Korovou, Tailevu has received a grant of $1000 to buy farming equipment, with which he plans to buy two bull calves from the Koronivia Research Station.
Toba says considering his age he cannot work on his root crop and vegetable farm as efficiently as he would like to, thus the decision to purchase the calves.
He says he sells vegetables in Korovou and Nausori markets and earns about $150 a week and the addition to his farm will be a big help for him.
Meanwhile, the people of Viwa, Bau Island were also handed over a boat today, which was funded by the Office of the Prime Minister.
The students of Viwa had requested a boat while the Prime Minister had visited the island to help them get to nearby schools.
The boat was handed over to the chief of Viwa.
