MINISTRY LAUNCHES FIRST-EVER TOURISM MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISE GRANT

4 December 2024 – Suva, Fiji – The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation is proud to announce the launch of the Pilot Tourism Micro and Small Enterprise Fund, an innovative initiative aimed at empowering Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) in the tourism sector. Supported by a $400,000 allocation in the 2024-2025 national budget, this Fund is the first of its kind under the Coalition Government.

The grant program seeks to directly support small businesses such as family-run guesthouses, local tour operators, and cultural activity providers, which form the backbone of Fiji’s tourism industry. By addressing gaps in access to finance, the program will help businesses enhance their products and experiences, catering to the growing demand for immersive cultural and community-based tourism activities.

DRIVING INCLUSIVITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

This initiative is part of the Coalition Government’s broader strategy to ensure tourism remains resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive. The Fund aligns with key national programs, such as the Na Vualiku Tourism Development Program and the Farm to Fork Initiative, to create a robust support network for entrepreneurs and communities.

Eligible applicants must be Fijian citizens aged 18 or above, operate a registered business that is majority Fijian-owned, and have been in operation for at least two years. Applicants must also demonstrate that the majority of their revenue comes from the tourism sector and contribute one-third of the project cost.

A public-private panel, comprising government agencies and partners like the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association, Fiji Development Bank, and Business Assistance Fiji, will oversee the program to ensure its effectiveness and transparency.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FROM THE 4^TH OF DECEMBER AND CLOSES ON THE 28^TH OF FEBRUARY.

The Ministry invites eligible Fijians to apply for the Pilot Tourism Micro and Small Enterprise Fund, which opens on Wednesday, 4 December 2024. Application forms will be available on the Ministry’s website at www.mtca.gov.fj and at Divisional Government Offices across the country.

The Ministry encourages stakeholders to collaborate in supporting this program, ensuring its success in fostering economic empowerment, innovation, and sustainability within Fiji’s tourism sector.

-ENDS-