Context: With the aim of transitioning into a modern knowledge-based state, Fiji’s Government is working towards enhancing the potential of its youth as innovators and job creators. Accordingly, one of Fiji’s efforts includes the creation of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2012, designed to develop policies and programmes to mainstream the participation of the younger population into the country’s economy. Moreover, other ministries are also supporting youth development initiatives. Despite such positive changes, about 20 per cent of Fiji’s youth is still not in employment, education or training (ILO, 2016).
Implementation of programme/initiative: To encourage Fiji’s young population to become job-creators, the Fijian Government and its Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism launched the Young Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES). The scheme assists young entrepreneurs who need funds to develop their enterprise. YES provides funding of up to US$30,000, as well as training and mentorship, for young people to turn their innovative ideas into viable businesses.
Fijian citizens between the ages of 18 to 40 may apply to the scheme by providing their personal details, proof of their citizenship and information on a proposed enterprise. Additionally, each applicant must specify and describe further details concerning the enterprise. Between other points to address, each applicant must specify the proposal’s objectives, impacts, benefits and risks. The application process also requires information on activities that have already been undertaken to develop the project, as well as the level of funding requested.
Projects selected for YES are those that can demonstrate their uniqueness and potential for enhancing Fiji’s international reputation. Additionally, business ideas that display a social dimension are particularly encouraged, especially those focused on disability and gender issues as these are considered essential for greater inclusion in society.
Main challenges: The amount of interesting business ideas in the mind of aspiring entrepreneurs are countless, and they are the key to making Fiji the hub for innovation in the Pacific that it aims to become. Thus, YES’s main challenge is to reach as many young aspirants as possible and show that it can support them in turning their ideas into reality. Moreover, as it offers a generous prize in money and thorough and continuous support throughout the development of the business, it must choose wisely which enterprises will have the most positive impact in Fiji.
Results achieved: In March 2018, YES received around 270 applications, out of which 5 were approved for the scheme’s funding and mentoring. One of the projects that has been successfully part of the scheme is “Get Lean Fiji”, the first fitness mobile app in Fiji designed for lifestyle changes. Another project involves the construction of small yet durable houses for people in squatter settlements to help maximize land usage and the life quality of those living in precarious conditions. Moreover, one of the first recipients of funds from YES was a 23-year-old that has been using waste from his landscape business for biogas production and selling it at an affordable rate as an alternative to firewood energy, thus contributing to sustainable development in specific communities. These are just a few examples of the type of businesses that have grown thanks to YES, yet they illustrate the wide reach selected enterprises can have in their communities as well as their sustainable economic impact.
Moving Forward: Only recently has the scheme been open to applicants with no formal qualifications. It has also newly extended its application to people of up to 40 years of age. These changes have been solicited by Fiji’s private sector in order to encourage greater participation in the scheme. With about 69 per cent of Fiji’s population below 40 years of age, the changes allow for a much wider range of interesting business ideas to be presented.
Replicability: YES’s active use of social media is a replicable part of its success. By constantly updating its social media feed in the main platforms used by young people, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, it constantly reminds its young audience of its capacity for innovation. Online followers are constantly exposed to new material, such as audiovisual descriptions of the scheme, articles on innovative enterprises and the stories of past participants. YES’s sharp use of social media serves to actively encourage young entrepreneurs to apply in order to turn their innovative ideas into reality, knowing that they may obtain support from Fiji’s government to do so.
References:
www.fijitimes.com/270-applications-received-for-yes-initiative/
https://fijisun.com.fj/2018/12/03/young-entrepreneur-scheme-yes-made-better-for-fijians-kumar/
https://www.usp.ac.fj/news/story.php?id=2662
http://www.youthpolicy.org/national/Fiji_2011_National_Youth_Policy.pdf
https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/01/17/rainimas-business-bio-gas-from-grass-cuttings/
Acknowledgements:
This good practice was kindly prepared by Ms. Victoria Mulville
Project Details
Date: April 29, 2019