A hundred small business owners received certificates this week for the successful completion of their tax compliance and financial literacy trainings with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS).
FRCS chief executive Mark Dixon said, “It’s important to recognise that while these MSMEs may be running their businesses on a small scale now, they hold immense potential as our future taxpayers.
“As they embark on their entrepreneurial journey FRCS in collaboration with our external partners will provide them the necessary guidance and support to ensure their success,” he added.
Director of taxation Momina Beg said to those receiving their certificates at the ceremony held July 24 at the FRCS building in Suva, “We are here to assist you. If you grow, we will grow. We are part of you.”
The training saw both young, new entrepreneurs and seasoned long-compliant business owners.
“I have had my taxi business for the last 18 years and always compliant, and this is the first time we have been recognised with a ceremony, it is a great honour,” said certificate recipient Arvind Mestry.
“It’s an immense honour to be here for this special day, for the MSME day by the FRCS. As MSMEs we are the diversification for the government. And with FRCS’s help we can always do our lodgements on time. As our business grows, we all need to learn about taxation and we do have all these things in mind,” Mr Mestry said.
Among the youngest participants was 26-year-old Neha Natasha, an accountant by profession who started her small online store NNS Collections in 2019.
“I just came thinking maybe I could learn something extra for both work and for my business.
“Just trying to build my CV as much as I can.”
Those interested in attending the next session are encouraged to keep an eye on the FRCS website and social media pages as a second session is planned for later this year.
