By Ema Ganivatu More than 100 women have graduated in the fifth cohort of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) and are ready to level up their small businesses. Since its launch in 2020, AWE has mentored nearly 600 Fijian women, equipping them with the tools to start and expand […]
While we know that micro, small, and medium businesses (MSMEs) are at the heart of the Pacific economy, many lenders consider them too risky for loans. They are seen as lacking collateral, having poor financial records, and being overly labour-intensive to monitor. Without access to finance, these businesses cannot grow. […]
The National newspaper/Pacnews (Buka) Francesca Semoso is making it her business to empower women and youth on Bougainville to build their business knowledge and skills using simple innovative ideas and the resources in their communities. Semoso is a firm believer that information is power. A former broadcaster and politician, Semoso […]
Two young entrepreneurs have been given $60,000 grants to turn their ideas into businesses. They are Christopher Vanualailai, owner of High Flyer Enterprises Pte Limited, and Dhiresh Kumar, who will set up a paintball business in Suva. Vanualailai plans to provide environmental monitoring services to Fiji and the Pacific. Awarding […]
Today was International Day of MSMEs, and to mark the occasion, United Nations (UN) joined colleagues from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and partners from the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) to host a mini ‘market day’ in front of Kadavu House in Suva. The market provided a free […]
By Jason Jett The story could have ended with a flight attendant being told she would never walk or talk again, simply being grounded, but Vitila Vuniwaqa hopes to inspire others with chapters in which she overcomes the physical block of a stroke to stick a landing as a farm-entrepreneur. Not so long ago, […]
Pacific communities have been adaptable and innovative in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but with some support they could do even more, Regina Scheyvens and Apisalome Movono write. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the economies of tourism-reliant Pacific Island states hard. But the pandemic has also helped to create – […]
Fijian baker Krishneel Nair baked his first cake at the age of nine over a wood fire. The Cuvu baker, who has worked in resort and hotel kitchens for more than seven years, has long dreamt of running his own business. His dream came to fruition at a trying time, […]
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) will work together to find innovative ways to finance Fiji’s women entrepreneurs. The partnership will focus on research, policy dialogue, special projects and advisory services designed to provide innovative financial services […]
William Parkinson set up Fiji’s first commercial radio station when he was just 22. With decades of entrepreneurial experience at the head of Communications Fiji Limited (CFL), Parkinson shares some of his lessons. Be passionate about your business “Ask yourself the question — Is this something that really keeps me […]
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