With limited entrepreneurship programmes available within the education sector, the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) is providing graduates with an alternative pathway into self-employment through its Graduate Business Startup Grant Scheme.

The scheme, delivered in partnership with the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS), targets graduates with scalable, bankable and sustainable business ideas and provides them with training, mentorship and financial support to turn those ideas into viable businesses.

The second cohort of the programme saw 10 participants successfully complete their training, marking another milestone in the initiative which aims to address graduate unemployment while encouraging young Fijians to create their own employment opportunities.

FCEF Chief Executive Officer Edward Bernard said the programme is the first of its kind in the education sector to specifically target graduates who have business ideas but may not have the opportunity or resources to develop them.

He said the Fiji Enterprise Engine, through which the programme is delivered, provides graduates with the support needed to move from an idea to an established business.

Meanwhile, TSLS Head of Student Services Vinay Kumar emphasised that the scheme has identified several graduates with innovative business ideas, with some already creating employment for themselves and others.

Kumar said TSLS continues to monitor the graduates after providing training and funding to ensure they are applying the skills gained and building sustainable businesses.

For grant recipient Sunia Radigova, the funding will help him develop AgriBridge, an innovative platform designed to connect farmers directly with potential buyers.

Radigova said the platform will allow farmers to market their produce while giving buyers, including institutions and businesses, easier access to locally produced agricultural products.

He explained the two-month training also provided him with valuable knowledge in areas such as business management, cash-flow management and attracting potential investors.

With the latest cohort now entering the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey, FCEF and TSLS hope the programme will continue to provide graduates with an avenue to create businesses, generate employment and contribute to Fiji’s economic development.

By: Litia Rabua