The need to collaborate rather than compete in running a business was highlighted at the University of the South Pacific entrepreneurial fair 2020.

It was stressed by one of the members of the Young Entrepreneurial Council and entrepreneur Watisoni Nata.

He said: “Competition is the past and we should be collaborating more as this will help grow the business.

Mr Nata runs ‘The Merch’ in Laucala Beach.

He says starting a business came with a lot of challenges.

Mr Nata also presented on the objectives of the YEC.

Objective of Young Entrepreneurial Council

He adds the council is a supportive platform that voices the concerns and issues that young entrepreneurs face.

“The objective of Young Entrepreneurial Council is to reduce barriers and improve access.

“Young Entrepreneurial Council provides access to business incubator service, publication of Young Entrepreneurial Council member profiles, training marketing web portal for member products and services, calendar and trade show participation and private-public-civil society partnership.

“Young Entrepreneurial Council also provides ongoing capacity building to its members through workshops.

“These are services provided to youths to guide them into starting a business,” he said.

Starting a business

For the business owner, starting  ‘The Merch’ came with a lot of challenges.

His advice to youths: “Be prepared to face the struggle in starting a business”

USP Entrepreneurial Fair 2020  is held at the Japan-Pacific ICT theatre and will end on February 21, 2020.

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