Three young business executives walked away with $7000 each yesterday after winning BizPitchComp 2023 in their respective categories.
BizPitchComp 2023 is a catalytic initiative to promote blended financing for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
It is a collaborative partnership by Business Link Pacific (BLP), Business Assistance Fiji ( BAF) and the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF).
The competition was the highlight of Day One of TOPEX 2023, organised by FCEF.
FCEF chairman Vinay Narsey said BizPitchComp 2023 was FCEF’s way of promoting MSMEs.
“That was a good contribution, something new that we brought to TOPEX,” he said.
“All businesses play and important role (in the economy) but in this context, for FCEF, it’s always important that we as employers or employers’ body, contribute back to MSMEs because if we can guide and help them, then they can be nurtured into bigger businesses.”
Winners:
Catergory: Climate Winner: Tikosaya Ledua of Ledua Art Collection
“It’s been nerve-wrecking. One thing about my business is I can’t meet the demand because there’s steady demand and I’m happy that this $7000 will help me boost my inventory. We up-cycle old tyres into ottoman furnitures.”
Catergory: Inclusion Winner: Shakira Ah Koy-MacDonald of Pasifique Collective
“I’m ecstatic for this win. I’m so happy that the judges have chosen to support local art. It’s very, very important that we support local art and the creative industry. It’s one of the industries that I think, in Fiji and the Pacific in general, that we’re lacking a lot of support for and lacking a lot of focus on so this shows me that people are willing and the top executives in the country are willing to take art seriously, take our artists seriously and want to move forward. The money would be used for my overhead costs and my marketing to ensure financial stability and viability of my business.”
Catergory: Innovation Winner: Apenisa Maracava of Purayil Investment
“It’s an eye-opener for us entrepreneurs, especially coming to these big events, gaining exposure, it really helps us develop. I’m a scientist and I’m new to all of this but I’ve come to learn here that it’s not about scientific researches only, it’s about how you implement what you studied and you put it into practice. I’ve built my hatchery and now with the $7000, I can get my recirculatory aquaculture system project next week.”
