The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has launched the Pilot Tourism Micro and Small Enterprise Fund, an innovative initiative aimed at empowering micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) in the tourism sector.
The fund is supported by a $400,000 allocation in the 2024-2025 national budget.
The ministry states the grant program seeks to directly support small businesses such as family-run guesthouses, local tour operators, and cultural activity providers, which it said formed 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,” the ministry said.
This initiative is part of the Government’s broader strategy to ensure tourism remained 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 grant applicants must be Fijian citizens aged 18 or above, operate a registered majority locally-owned business, have been in operation for at least two years, and must also demonstrate that majority of their revenue was sourced 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.
Applications opened from December 4 and will close on February 28 next year.
