Business Link Pacific (BLP), a private sector development programme delivered by DT Global and funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), has announced the availability of new Business Support Grants for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Fiji.
“New Zealand is very proud to support the wide range MSMEs across the Pacific. New Zealand and Fiji work in partnership as two countries to build economic resilience, that is one important pillars of our work here in Fiji and we particularly help focus on MSMEs. Today’s launch is very good example of our strategic partnership through BLP and our collaboration to build economic resilience to the grassroot communities,” said Deputy New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, Hon. Mr. Alex Sharyar-Davis.
The Business Support Grants are designed to stimulate SME growth, innovation, access to finance, and investment in social inclusion and climate action. SMEs in Fiji can present proposals that meet the criteria of at least 1 of the following 5 categories:
- Innovation: grant will be used to drive innovation within the business
- Growth: grant will used to drive business growth
- Inclusion: grant will be used to increase inclusiveness within and by the business
- Climate: grant will mitigate, adapt, or increase resilience to climate change
- Finance: grant will be used to secure additional finance e.g., equity for a loan
To apply, businesses must submit a proposal that outlines the project they are proposing to undertake, the expected outcomes of the project, and the financial resources they are seeking. Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with at least 1 of the 5 grant categories mentioned above, as well as the feasibility of the project, the sustainability of the project, and the quality of the proposal.
Grants will be awarded based on business size and other factors. As a guide, businesses with up to 5 employees are eligible for grants up to NZD 5,000 (FJ$ 6,771.20) equivalent, and businesses with up to 10 employees are eligible for up to NZD 10,000 (FJ$ 13,542.40) equivalent. Businesses with 20 employees or more can apply for grants up to NZD 20,000 (FJ$ 27,084.81) equivalent. Businesses with up to 50 employees can apply for grants up to NZD 30,000 (FJ$FJD 40,627.21) equivalent.
BLP encourages applications from women, youth, indigenous entrepreneurs, and community-led businesses. Guidelines and full criteria can be found on the BLP website https://businesslinkpacific.com.
The Business Assistance Fiji will assist with the submission of applications. SMEs that require assistance to access the internet or computers should contact Business Assistance Fiji to be supported.
“We are excited to announce the availability of these new Business Support Grants, to support local businesses with their innovation and growth projects. We know that grants can boost SMEs capacity to access finance, increase employment and invest in critical issues such as climate resilience,” said Steve Knapp, director of BLP.
“This is another of the many great assistance provided by Business Link Pacific and we (Business Assistance Fiji) are ready to assist the entrepreneurs access this business support grant. However, the applicants need to carefully read and understand the requirement before applying. This is an ongoing programme hence the applicants need to thoroughly prepare their proposals,” said Ramesh Chand, General Manager of BAF.
For more information on BLP Business Support Grant, keeping visiting our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn), visit our website: https://businessassistancefiji.com/ or visit our office: Ground Floor, Vanua Arcade, Vanua House, Victoria Parade, Suva, Fiji.
