Good news for 24 business owners as they have received a grant of $335,000 to start their businesses in Ra, Rewa, Sawana, Koro, Gau, and other parts of Fiji.
Business Analyst for the iTaukei Trust Fund Board, James McGoon says this award recognizes the 24 business owners who fall into the six strategic categories for this supported project.
He adds that this involves innovation in food processing, agricultural value, tourism development, projects aligned with Fiji Roads Authority Initiatives, community empowerment projects, bakery enterprises for rural livelihoods, and partnerships with the Tutu Rural Training Centre.
Minister of the iTaukei Affairs, Iferemi Vasu says this is not just a grant handover, but a statement of intent that the iTaukei communities will innovate in growing, leading, and moving towards a more equitable and prosperous Fiji.
Vasu says the 24 participants are journeying toward leadership and change in the nation.
A representative for the Sawana Women's Business Association from Lau, Lusiana Fotofili, shares how grateful they are for the assistance from the Ministry in building the business of people living on the islands.
She says the hot bread shop from Sawana was demolished by the cyclone earlier this year and now the villages will not have to travel far to Moalevu for hot bread.
