Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility

1. Open to all young Fijians between the ages of 18 to 40 years.
2. Must be a Fijian Citizen.
3. Must have an Innovative/Unique Business Idea.

Grant Criteria

Grant Funding Eligibility (depending on the nature of request):

1. Full funding;
2. Partially funding; and/or
3. Equity for loans.

General Criteria Used to Assess Applications:

1. Innovative ideas, products or services that contribute to achieving the vision of transitioning Fiji towards a knowledge based and modern society;
2. Initiatives that lead to employment creation particularly in the rural and maritime regions;
3. Businesses that improve the standards of living and overall welfare of all Fijians;
4. Projects that will enhance the reputation of Fiji in the international fora;
5. Ventures that have a social dimension that support the economic empowerment of women, and persons with disabilities; and
6. Enterprises that have strong backward and forward linkages that support other sectors of the Fijian economy.

Exclusions

1. Immediate family members of the staff of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.
2. Employees of the Fijian Civil Service.

Applicants Contribution

• Preferably have done some basic business training/seminars/workshop; however further support in this area will be provided by the Ministry if required.

Terms & Conditions

1. Successful applicants will be required to adhere to the conditions of the grant funding set by the Ministry.
2. Must have a current Bank account.

Maximum Grant

• Up to $30,000 per proposal per person/start-up.

Approvals

• The Ministry will be responsible for the assessment of all applications, and approvals will be made by the Selection Panel with the final endorsement by the Permanent Secretary and Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism.

Post-Approvals

• Business Mentoring, Monitoring and Evaluation will be conducted by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.