SMALL business entrepreneurs in the Northern Division will soon have the opportunity to train under the BSP Fiji and Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) THRIVE business development program.
‘Together, Helping (to build a) Resilient, Inclusive (and) Vibrant Economy’ or THRIVE was launched early last year aimed at providing training and mentoring to locally-owned businesses to equip them with skills to build the foundation needed for future growth.
Officiating at the launch of the second phase of the program yesterday, BSP general manager Retail Ravindra Singh said: “Since we introduced THRIVE last year in March, 70 entrepreneurs have participated including those that are part of this group this year, and I’m proud to announce that later this year, we will be expanding this program to the Northern Division.”
“For the very first time, I suppose, a formal program will be delivered out there for our MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) customers and business sectors out there in the Northern Division. It would be a great opportunity for another 25 business owners to be part of this program.”
He encouraged the second cohort presently in training to take advantage of the opportunity.
“Now this is where the real work begins, away from the classrooms since we have invested heavily, connecting you with our skilled professionals.
“It’s from the books to practical aspect and I know it won’t be easy, but remember every business has its own challenges.
“It’s not just a three-day or one week training program and after that you have forgotten about it. So, the continuity for the next six months, you’ll see yourself (and) your business develop, and we want to see that you take your business to that next level.”
ABV chief executive officer Liz Mackinlay, who joined virtually, said the beauty of THRIVE was that it was tailored to each entrepreneur “and we look at what their goals are and then we pragmatically support them to achieve it”.
This second phase of training will benefit 50 entrepreneurs from around Viti Levu.
