SWEET Sip officially opened its first outlet at the MHCC mall in Suva on Monday this week, serving up refreshing beverages, rolled ice cream and other desserts with a flavourful twist.
Speaking at the official opening and the handing over of the Young Entrepreneurship Scheme (‘YES’) grant of $30,000 to the owners of the tuck shop, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications Manoa Kamikamica said Sweet Sip is a product of creativity, resilience, and the kind of forward-thinking needed more in the economy.
“Starting as a mobile dessert cart serving rolled ice cream and sweet treats at festivals and pop-up markets, Rajnel Kumar and Aachaal Reddy — the faces behind Sweet Sip — quickly captured the hearts of people,” Mr Kamikamica said.
“Through the grant of $30,000 under the Government’s Young Entrepreneurship Scheme, their dream of opening a shop became a reality, as it enabled them to purchase the essential equipment needed to launch their first shop.
“With limited resources but limitless determination, Mr Kumar and his team brought flavour and flair to our communities — building their brand one roll at a time.
“What you see here today is the sweet result of their dedication, hard work, and ability to see possibilities where others saw obstacles.”
Mr Kamikamica said their story was worth backing when they approached the ministry for funding support.
“We were proud to help make that dream a reality.”
Emphasising the vital contribution of the Government, the DPM also acknowledged Fiji Development Bank for supporting the couple during the COVID-19 period and later recognising their excellence at the FDB MSME Awards,
BSP Fiji for stepping in with mentorship and business development opportunities and Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) for providing training, tools, and operational guidance that helped sharpen the business.
“This is the power of collaboration — when public and private sectors work together, they create an environment where entrepreneurial success becomes inevitable.”
He encouraged youths to let Sweet Sip serve as an inspiration to take the first step, saying that even if the risk feels high, they should start small, start smart — and remember that they are not alone on the journey.
The Young Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES) was designed to empower young entrepreneurs with unique and innovative ideas and give them a boost when they need it most and to fuel ideas that can grow into sustainable businesses.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated June 12, 2025
