The Reserve Bank of Fiji has partnered with The Forge Pacific Pte Limited to deliver a five-month business development programme aimed at helping 20 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) become more resilient, investment-ready and better positioned to access finance.

The programme will equip participating businesses with practical skills in governance, financial management, compliance, strategic planning and investment readiness through coaching, mentoring and workshops.

The initiative supports Fiji’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2022–2030, the MSME Strategic Plan 2025–2030 and complements the implementation of the Access to Business Funding Act 2025, which introduces alternative financing options for small businesses.

It also comes as Fiji prepares to launch its first Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending Platform, with the programme designed to help MSMEs strengthen their governance, financial capability and investment readiness to better attract lenders and investors.

Reserve Bank Governor Ariff Ali says the partnership recognises that MSME development requires both responsive policies and practical support.

He says by working with The Forge Pacific, the Reserve Bank is investing in a private-sector solution that will strengthen business capability and prepare MSMEs to take advantage of emerging financing opportunities, including the new P2P lending platform.

The Forge Pacific Co-Founder Watesoni Nata Jr. says many MSMEs have strong potential but face challenges in building capability, becoming investment-ready and accessing finance.

He says the programme will provide practical coaching, mentoring and business development support to help entrepreneurs build stronger and more sustainable businesses, while also creating jobs, fostering innovation and contributing to a more resilient and inclusive Fijian economy.

The programme will begin with a business readiness assessment before participants undertake training across five key areas: business strategy and growth, operations and governance, financial and investment readiness, market readiness and customer growth, and leadership, innovation and business resilience.

The programme will conclude with investment-readiness support, including opportunities for businesses to present their ventures to potential financiers and investors. By the end of the programme, participating MSMEs are expected to have stronger business foundations, clearer growth strategies and greater confidence to secure financing and expand their operations.