GOVERNMENT has provided $26.4 million to about 28,004 Fijians who have started their micro and small businesses.
Minister for Industry and Trade Faiyaz Koya told about 1000 recipients at Wairiki, Taveuni yesterday that this had impacted 140,020 lives around the country.
“We have seen the emergence of many new and innovative ideas through the Micro and Small Business Grant (MSBG) initiative,” he said.
“We are putting our confidence and trust in you to use this assistance appropriately because all of you have been thoroughly and carefully assessed by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism and the Fiji Development Bank.
“The number of applications received this year has been truly amazing as we recorded a total number of 47,045 applications from all over Fiji.”
Mr Koya told the 1312 recipients of Taveuni that the program had now funded a total of 2539 businesses on the island since 2015.
“Furthermore, through this initiative, the Fijian Government has invested approximately $2.5 million into the economy of Taveuni,” he said.
“From next week, we will be disbursing micro and small businesses grants in Savusavu, Nabouwalu and Seaqaqa.
“So to our Taveuni recipients, today (yesterday) you have proven that you have the ability and the know-how to undertake business and positively contribute to the Fijian economy.”
He assured the recipients that Government’s continuous assistance would empower them to flourish and thrive in the business world.
