Fiji THRIVE launched to empower local businesses

BSP Financial Group Limited in partnership with Australian Business Volunteers today launched Fiji Together, Helping to build a Resilient, Inclusive and Vibrant Economy, a co-designed business development program for locally-owned, including women-led, businesses in Fiji.

Drawing on the vast potential of micro and small to medium sized enterprises, the program will commence with providing training and mentoring to 25 promising Fiji business leaders over the coming six months to equip them with skills to build the foundation that they need for future business growth.

BSP Relieving Country Head Maikash Ali says the programme is the latest under the BSP Group’s partnership with the Australian international development organisation, and they are delighted to deliver it as Fiji THRIVE, tailored to their business environment.

Ali says THRIVE captures the essence of this program earmarked as key to unlocking Fiji’s entrepreneurship and women-led businesses for more resilient and sustainable communities.

He also says by banking on these local businesses, they are also helping Fiji grow.

Australian Business Volunteers CEO Liz Mackinlay says while this had long been a proven model for sustainable development, it was the calibre of the training, alongside ongoing coaching and business management mentoring delivered by trusted ABV Skilled Business Professionals, that underpinned it for success.

Mackinlay says this exciting program sees a collaboration between BSP, ABV and the British High Commission, with endorsement from the Government of Fiji, which is an excellent example of a public-private partnership.

She says they have delivered some 500 programs in over 30 countries, and time and time again the success of these boils down to how locally-driven the programs are for the unique contexts of the communities in which we are invited to walk alongside.

Mackinlay also says program participants will gain access to strong business management coaching and ongoing mentorship relationships with their Skilled Business Professionals who come with years of expertise in the region and in driving forward successful companies.

British High Commissioner, Doctor Brian Jones says the new Fiji government asked him to prioritise partnership with locally owned, inclusive growth through the MSME Business Sector, and he is elated to do that.

Doctor Jones says he has met some fabulous Fiji entrepreneurs and businesspeople here and linking them up with the experience of Australian Business Volunteers and the financial support of BSP will give their businesses a solid head-start.

He adds it will give Fiji’s economy a much-needed injection of diversity, creativity, and opportunity.

Dr Jones also says the United Kingdom is a world-leading incubator for innovation, and his team was there to help if some of these businesses seek to find partners, investors and a market for their goods and services in the UK.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica says MSMEs contribute 21 percent towards Fiji's Gross Domestic Product.

The Minister says he would like to see an increase in the contribution in the next few years.

Kamikamica says he was told that from the first group of MSMEs to benefit from this program 75% were women entrepreneurs representing a wide array of sectors, ranging from small retail convenience shops, beauty & fashion, medical services, online shops, vehicle repair and tourism.

He also says they all have an equal part to play in rebuilding Fiji and he is proud of his team at the Ministry, for conducting over 326 business training since 2014 to have a great understanding of the hand-holding and support our MSMEs need.

The Minister also says he urges participants to strive towards achieving exponential commercial independence and entrepreneurial growth.

The MSME Development Program, known as Fiji THRIVE will engage local entrepreneurs in a 12 month program of coaching, mentoring and on-site training from ABV Skilled Business Professionals with funding support from BSP and the British High Commission.