THE Northern Development Program has paid out $8.6million for 1501 projects in Vanua Levu.
NDP manager Waisale Tuidama told the Bua Provincial Council meeting in Nabouwalu this week the program has been a success.
He said the assistance created 4600 employment opportunities with small businesses in Vanua Levu.
He said dalo and yaqona farmers had been helped by NDP and other small businesses in the north had also received funding.
Workshops conducted by NDP have also been held in villages.
Mr Tuidama said they had organised more than 800 workshops around Vanua Levu.
The workshops were aimed at equipping community members with financial knowledge, business plans, identifying areas and products to market, building a profit-making business and savings.
Mr Tuidama said it was important for small business owners and the community to learn to run a business.
Last week, the NDP and the Ministry of Women organised eight days of training for women vendors of the Labasa Market.
The 26 women market vendors were taught to prepare a business plan, and differentiate expenses and saving from business income.