From local passion to regional impact

When Shayal Singh entered he Pacific Agri-Innovate Competition in 2024, she saw it as an opportunity to grow, learn, and strengthen her busi­ness.

What she did not expect was how deeply the experience would trans­form Million Green Fiji, from a well-known local agri-business in to a recognised name across the region.

"We started as an online educa­tion platform promoting agricul­ture, food security, climate action, and healthy living, and over time we grew into a trusted agribusi­ness supporting sustainable com­munities," Ms Singh said.

The entity began operations in 2019. What started as a space to share knowledge and encourage people to grow their own food gradually evolved into a trusted agribusiness supplying premium fruit trees, grafted citrus, herbs, spices, compost, and sustainable landscaping solutions.

As the business grew in purpose and direction, it re branded to Mission Green Fiji to reflect a stronger commitment to improv­ing agriculture nationwide and ad­vancing regenerative and climate ­smart farming.

Ms Singh's decision to enter the Pacific Agri-Innovate Competition came from a desire to expand

the reach of the business and strengthen its long-term impact.

"We entered the competition to scale our impact, strengthen regional partnerships, and ac­celerate innovation in sustainable agriculture while contributing to resilient food systems across the Pacific," she said.

The competition was funded by the European Union in the Pacific through the Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems in Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Samoa

(STODAS) Project and techni­cally supported by Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nation (FAO). It was led by Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development and the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways, Sugar Industry.

Exposure to regional networks

The competition quickly proved to be a turning point. It exposed Million Green Fiji to regional networks, mentors, and investors, allowing the business to gain vis­ibility and credibility beyond Fiji.

The experience also equipped Ms Singh with practical knowledge that helped refine the company's strategy and strengthen its foun­dation.

"Through the competition, we gained valuable exposure to regional agribusiness networks, investors, and mentors, which strengthened our presence at both the national and Pacific level," she said.

Beyond technical knowledge, the experience also influenced how Ms Singh approached leadership and decision-making. As a woman in agribusiness, the competition strengthened her confidence and sharpened her sense of purpose.

"It strengthened my confidence as a woman leader and helped me embrace data-driven decision-­making while leading with pur­pose and long-term vision," she said.

"The mentorship from Business Assistance Fiji and peer learning encouraged collaborative leader­ship, resilience, and clarity as we continue to scale our business."

A major part of Million Green Fiji's continued growth came through the 10-day virtual boot­camp and the mentoring support provided.

Ms Singh developed new skills in business pitching, impact meas­urement, financial planning, and scaling sustainable agriculture models.

These lessons helped her see the business from a more strategic lens and prepared her for the next stage of growth.

"We developed key skills in pitch­ing, impact measurement, and financial planning, and deepened our knowledge of climate-smart practices, market access, and part­nership building" Ms Singh said.

Support from BLP

This financial strengthening became especially important when Million Green Fiji applied for support through Business Link Pacific (BLP).

With clear and well-structured fi­nancial records in place, the busi­ness was able to present a strong and credible case.

"Having clear financials showed that we had realistic budgets, sustainable cash-flow projections, and a clear growth strategy, which helped build confidence among assessors."

Securing support through the BLP grant marked a major mile­stone for Million Green Fiji, fast­tracking the company's expansion and strengthening its foundations for long-term growth.

The funding delivered imme­diate, practical benefits by the upgrading of essential facilities, enhancing output capabilities, and ensuring reliable access to higher­quality inputs.

With stronger systems in place, Million Green Fiji was better positioned to meet rising demand and operate at a higher standard of efficiency.

"The grant strengthened our op­erations by improving infrastruc­ture, production capacity, and access to quality inputs, allowing us to scale and operate more effi­ciently," Ms Singh said.

"It also helped us put better sys­tems in place and positioned us to grow nationally while delivering stronger environmental, social, and economic impact."

Winning the Pacific Agri­Innovate Competition also el­evated Ms Singh's voice within the agribusiness sector. The recogni­tion opened doors to new colla bo­rations and strengthened Million Green Fiji's presence beyond its immediate operations.

"Winning the competition el­evated our profile and connected us with regional networks, govern­ment agencies, and partners who share our vision for sustainable agriculture," she said.

"Our journey has allowed us to advocate for climate-smart prac­tices and inspire women, youth, and farmers to pursue innovative and environmentally conscious farming."

Looking back, Ms Singh de­scribed the experience as trans­forma tive, not ju st for the business, but for her personal growth as a founder and leader.

"The competition strengthened my leadership, strategic thinking, and confidence in scaling Million Green Fiji," she said.

"It provided mentorship and ac­cess to resources that accelerated our growth and impact."

Message to women entrepreneurs

Her message to other women en­trepreneurs considering similar opportunities is simple and en­couraging.

"Embrace the opportunity, be open to learning, and showcase your vision boldly. Your ideas and resilience can grow your business and inspire change across commu­nities," she said.

From its beginnings as a small educational platform to becoming a recognised agribusiness with re­gional connections, Mission Green Fiji's journey highlights what can happen when passion is matched with the right opportunities and support.

Through the Pacific Agri­Innovate Competition, the guid­ance ofBAF and the support of the BLP grant, Shayal Singh has taken her vision to new heights growing not only plants, but a movement rooted in sustainability, resilience, and impact.