SIYB training equips 20 entrepreneurs with skills to grow businesses

Twenty small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs have been equipped with practical skills to strengthen and grow their businesses after completing a three-day Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training programme.

Speaking during the certificate presentation for the 20 SIYB trainees at Civic Tower in Suva today, permanent secretary for Commerce and Business Development Radika Kumar said the training was an important first step in building an entrepreneurial mindset and confidence among participants.

Eleven women and nine men received SIYB certificates. Ms Kumar said more than 80 per cent of Fiji's private sector comprised micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), making their contribution critical to the country's economic development.

She said the training had provided participants with practical knowledge in business planning, financial literacy, and business management and improvement.

“Your contribution, this learning, translating into business ideas and implementation will be critical for the development of our country,” Ms Kumar said.

She said entrepreneurship came with risks and setbacks, but encouraged trainees to treat challenges as learning experiences and continue progressing.

“There might be sometimes some downfalls, but then it's always a learning experience,” she said.

Ms Kumar said the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development remained committed to supporting MSMEs and reaching entrepreneurs at the grassroots level through business advisory services and training.

She said the programme could provide a pathway for participants to create sustainable sources of income for their families and communities.

As businesses grew, she said, they would contribute to Fiji's overall economic development.

The training targeted TEP recipients, including existing small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Ms Kumar acknowledged the trainer for helping strengthen participants' financial literacy and business planning skills.

She said the ministry would continue strengthening MSME development and promoting inclusive economic growth through business support and training.