A mother caring for four children and an injured husband plans to resume her catering business.

Fozeena Bano of Valebasoga, Labasa, intends to do this after she received her $500 grant assistance from the Minister for Commerce, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Koya, last Thursday in Labasa.

Ms Bano’s husband suffered a spinal injury six years ago while working.

“After the incident at his workplace he has been using clutches to walk,” the 37-year-old said.

“To support my family’s welfare, I started a business under the name ‘Reliable Event Catering Service’, selling sweets from home.”

During the two years of closure because of the COVID-19 pandemic, her business, like many others, suffered.

“Few months ago, I wanted to resume my business, but I didn’t have enough money to start,” she said.

“Then I applied for this grant last month and

I thank the Government for whatever assistance they provide to assist women like us.”

Despite the high cost of living the country was facing, Ms Bano feels that any form of assistance can be a game-changer.

Mr Koya said Government had recognised the critical role that micro and small enterprises played during the socio-economy recovery.

Following the impact of COVID-19, he said some Fijians, who were formerly employed, had moved on to start their own business.

“So, to provide some support to these new and existing small and micro businesses, and to keep afloat, the Fijian Government is pleased that we are providing this support,” Mr Koya said.

“Also, it is to inspire women and persons with disabilities in terms of entrepreneurship.

“We, as a Government, have invested more than a hundred million dollars in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) around Fiji and of that about $36 million invested in the North,” he said.

He confirmed that this was expected to increase.

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