Defence Minister Inia Seruiratu said the $1000 business grant was not a freebie given by the Government.
He said the $1000 grant had assisted individuals build their own businesses.
“These $1000 grants have grown the threshold business,” he said.
“And of course, if I remember correctly, so it’s very positive Mr Speaker sir. It’s not freebies.
“This is when they will grow and they will provide the much-needed improvement in the various sectors, particularly in rural Fiji.”
Mr Seruiratu said Government had done a lot to secure communities and would continue to do that.