Former RSE worker turns overseas experience into family business plan

For Emily Grace, the labour mobility journey has come full circle, from working overseas to supporting her spouse to start a business.

The former Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) worker, who spent two years abroad, took part in a three-day business training programme in Suva this week.

“I’ve learned a lot,” she said, reflecting on how the programme reshaped her thinking on business and family.

A key lesson was developing a strong business idea that meets real needs. She said understanding the product or service, target market and delivery model was essential before starting.

The training also covered financial literacy, bookkeeping and accessing loans.

“Record keeping is important because it helps us monitor our budget and cash flow,” she said.

“Sometimes we start and later forget why we started. It’s important to have discipline and consistency.”

Ms Grace said business planning and financial decisions should involve the whole household.

She represents a growing number of Fijians using overseas work experience to build long-term opportunities at home.

For Ms Grace, the training is more than just a certificate, it is a step towards a stable, family-driven future through business.