Small Business, Big Change

World MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises) Day was celebrated on June 27th.

This day was dedicated to raising awareness about the significant contributions ofMSMEs in promoting innovation, job creation, and sustainability.

This year's theme was "Small Business, Big Change, and I asked a few members of our Building at Sunset community what inspired them to make a big change in their lives and enter the world of entrepreneurship.

FINA FISHER,OWNER OF COMFY STAYS

My name is Fina Bakani Fisher, and I run a short-term rental accommodation business called Comfy Stays.

I currently have two properties listed: a two-bedroom, one-bath setup in Laucala Beach Estate that goes for $200 per night, and a fivebedroom, 4.5-bath setup in Pacific Harbour that goes for $750 per night.

Initially, my motivation to begin my business was to have the freedom to stay at home with my kids while also contributing to the household income.

As time passed, the motivation shifted to financial freedom. I'm excited to see my business grow from its current Facebook page to a website I'll be launching soon.

Sonam Nair the managing director of Total Training Services.

LOMA MATAIKA,FOUNDEROF INNOVATION IN CONSTRUCTION HUB(ICH)

I'm Kelera Lomaloma Mataika, the Founder of Atelier 153, an architectural design firm.

I'm extremely passionate about sustainability, construction, and innovation in the industry, while also tapping into local and indigenous expertise.

There are many new products we can manufacture or use in Fiji to solve our infrastructural issues.

My motivation to start the Innovation in Construction Hub was to tap into the existing construction and trade industry and see how various skills can come together to innovate on new projects.

By: Shenal Harakh

• Shenal Harakh is the founder of her eponymous software development agency Shenal (www.shenal.online), which builds tech products for startup clients around the world.She is currently based in Fiji and is running workshops to digitally upskill communities. Head to https://fiji.shenal.online/ to sign up and keep up to date with new workshops, or follow her work on LinkedIn: Shenal Harakh or Twitter: @shenalyo.