A group of unemployed adults and youths in the Macuata Province who always had a dream to have their own business now have a ray of hope.

This is after they attained certificates for attending a five-day training on start your own business course organised by Ministry of Youth and Sports in Labasa on April 12.

Among the 30 participants was a 53-year- old mother, Laisa Tavusa of Dreketi Village who wants to operate a canteen business, vegetable farm and sell Indian sweets from her home.

“This training has opened my perspective towards business development,” Ms Tavusa said.

“I have learnt to be a successful entrepreneur. I can run four small businesses and earn more money provided I have the right business plan.

“I have learnt all the relevant skills and am excited to work with my husband and son from our Nakama home.”

The youngest participant, Nitin Raj, 19, a law student of University of the South Pacific said he learnt there was no age limit for starting a small business.

“There are so many schemes and assistance provided by the Government that we can access, but unfortunately many are not aware about it,” Mr Raj of Namara, Labasa said.

“My future plan is to build my own resort in Labasa and this training has prepared me well.”

Meanwhile, Ministry of Youth and Sports Macuata youth administrator Shalendra Bishwa said this was the first training organised for this year to encourage the unemployed to improve their livelihood.

“They have all received certificate which will help them to get grant from Northern Development Programme, loan from Fiji Development Bank and access Young Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES),” Mr Bishwa said.

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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