What started as a retirement plan has grown into a long-term mission to strengthen Fiji’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for Pravind Anand, the founder of Small and Medium Enterprise Solutions and a approved Business Link Pacific (BLP) Advisor.
In 2020, when the retirement age was 55, start-up accountant and licensed tax agent, Anand, began planning his next chapter, with a long-held goal of setting up a centre to support micro and small businesses.
When an accounting practice in Tavua became available, he bought it walk-in, walk-out, operating from his home, where he already knew most clients and could focus on serving MSMEs, especially micro-entrepreneurs.
Anand chose a deliberately hands-on model with a small team of two staff, where he provides one-on-one support, allowing him to closely understand each client’s business realities.
He says he does not want too many clients, as he wants to do the work properly and make sure businesses are doing things the right way.
When he took over the practice, Anand observed that some businesses were struggling with basic compliance, poor record-keeping, unregistered workers and unpaid statutory obligations.
He says that he did not want to just prepare accounts and move on, if wages are recorded, he needed evidence as workers must be registered, contributions must be paid, everything has to be documented.
Beyond accounting, Anand provides business mentoring and advisory services, particularly for micro-enterprises.
He says while many people know their trade, they do not understand business, adding someone may drive a bus for 25 years and then buy one after retirement.
Driving is what they know, business is something they must learn.
Anand consistently stresses that documentation and record-keeping are essential to business success.
He says he has seen people sell produce worth hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years, yet their living standards remain the same.
He says when there are no records, they don’t know where the money went.
The business advisor says a basic cash book, money in, money out system makes a huge difference, because once people can see where their money is going, they can plan, save and grow.
Anand also assists MSMEs to access grants, loans and business support programmes, however, he is selective about the applications he submits.
He has recently supported applications from mechanics upgrading equipment to childcare providers expanding services that enable more women to enter the workforce.
Anand says when clients succeed, that is the real reward, as he treats every proposal as if it were his own business.
His call to action for MSMEs is clear: seek advice early, document everything and treat business seriously.
Anand says coming to a business advisor is like going to a doctor, as they diagnose the problem, identify the weaknesses and provide a plan.
He is encouraging MSMEs that need business advisory, compliance support or growth planning to seek assistance early through verified professionals.
