PILOT TOURISM MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES FUND
The Pilot Tourism Micro and Small Enterprise Fund is an initiative by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, continuing its mission to empower tourism MSMEs through targeted grant support.
Our focus is to support and diversify Fiji’s tourism products and experiences. Given the dominance of MSMEs in the tourism sector, support for MSMEs’ long-term sustainability and expansion is critical for visitor experiences and community benefits
We have developed a Policy to guide you through the Pilot Fund, including its objectives, eligibility criteria, application process, grant disbursement guidelines, and other key details. Please read it carefully before you begin your application. Read Policy
WHO CAN APPLY
- Fijian citizens of 18 years of age and above;
- Existing registered business in operation for two years;
- Majority Fijian-owned (at least 51%);
- Engaged in tourism where the majority share of revenue comes from the tourism sector; and
- Ability to meet the one-third project cost.
ELIGIBLE PROPOSALS
We are looking to support a range of tourism experiences that add value to the local economy.
In its Pilot, we will provide grants for capital projects as well as operational items. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Improvement of products and experiences;
- Visibility and awareness, such as website upgrades;
- Adoption of technology to enhance visitor experiences;
- Amenity enhancements such as visitor areas or signage;
- Small-scale infrastructure, such as trails, and
- Equity funding with financial institutions (FIs) for capital expenditure and diversification purposes. Relevant FIs compliance and requirements will apply.
We will consider the following tourism activities and experiences:
- Activities that promote culture and heritage
- Environmentally sustainable activities such as bird watching and trekking
- Accessibility, such as trails and signage
- Upgrade and rejuvenation of heritage sites
- Niche markets such as agritourism and Wellness Natural parks such as forests and reef
Please note the following will not be funded:
- Proposal for Debt refinancing;
- Proposals that have non-enterprise activities;
- Proposals from Civil Servants;
- Proposals with business turnover (sales) of more than $300,000 per year;
- Proposals requesting large scale infrastructure development, i.e. roads, land preparation, evacuation center, jetties, etc (case by case basis – exceptions to utilities upgrade);
- Costs associated with regulatory approvals required from relevant authorities e.g. Rural Local Authority, Environment, iTaukei Land Trust Board, National Fire Authority, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, etc.;
- Funding high-risk equipment such as generic motor vehicles;
- Projects that do not comply with any laws of Fiji;
- Activities unrelated to tourism development;
- Projects lacking clear objectives or feasibility; and
- Projects that have received Government grants in the last 3 years. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis, provided they demonstrate that the grant received was utilised for its intended purpose.
HOW TO APPLY
You can apply online here.
Before accessing the link, be sure to keep the following documents ready as part of your application:
- Valid Business Registration Certificate;
- Valid Photo Identification (Driver’s License, Voter ID Card, or Passport Biodata Page);
- Tax Identification Number (TIN);
- Management Accounts for those in operations for at least 2 years; *Micro and small enterprises can provide management accounts prepared by certified accountants;
- Detailed Business Plan inclusive of 3 year Cash Flow Forecasts/Projections;
- Support and Validity letter from relevant Ministry and Stakeholders, if required;
- Compliance with regulatory requirements as per business scope;
- Membership or shareholder listing, if applicable;
- Evidence of one-third contribution; and
- Land Lease, tenancy agreement, approved Department of Town and Country Planning documents, Title or documentation relevant to proposals that encompass land (for construction—if applicable).
APPEAL AND GRIEVANCE
We value your feedback and take complaints seriously. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our program or decision made by our team, we encourage you to submit an appeal or grievance. We are committed to resolving your concerns with confidentiality in a fair and transparent manner.