Maheshwar Singh of Nabouwalu in Bua heard people talk about the Micro and Small Business Grant (MSBG) who come to his shop at Nabouwalu Jetty.

Though he applied for the grant he never thought that he would receive it.

“I did not expect to get the grant but I am thankful I got it.

“I received the grant in 2017.

“The $1000 I received was used to buy cigarettes for my shop,” Mr Singh said.

“So far we have done well. The profit is used to buy more packets of cigarettes and I have also been saving.”

Mr Singh said his business has blossomed but he still faces challenges.

“It is good that my shop is near the wharf. This is our only source of income and that is why I work hard. We are renting at the shop and we have employees too,” he said.

“Sometimes the business depends on the number of buses that comes and goes.

“I was a bus driver before and I came into the restaurant business.

“I plan to get a block and expand the business.

“My restaurant is the only one that is at the Nabouwalu jetty.”

Mr Singh said he was thankful for the $1000 grant.

MSBG is a Government initiative designed to encourage business and start-ups.

Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar

Feedback:  wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj