Ioane Palato is one of the many successful recipients of the Fijian Government’s Small and Micro Business Grant scheme.
The scheme is a government initiative designed to encourage business investments and start-ups.
Mr Palato is 38 years old and hails from Kadavu, but calls Taveuni his home.
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“I wanted to start a canteen at home since the shop is far away from home,” Mr Palato said.
“So I bought few items to start off with. Three months later I received the grant and I am glad for that.”
“It was a great help because I was able to buy more items for my stock. I am more opened minded since I started my small canteen.”
But despite the success so far, Mr Palato said he still faced many challenges daily.
“I don’t have any knowledge in running any business, but I am learning as days go. Through the canteen earnings I was able to buy a generator, fridge and portable tools,” he said.
“I thank the Government for giving us the grant because I was able to start something I always dreamt about and now through the grant my dream of starting a canteen is a reality.”
He is urging other grant recipients to be smart about it and use funds wisely.
Edited by Naisa Koroi
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