RFAs: Pilot Tourism and Small Enterprises Fund (Fiji)

The Pilot Tourism Micro and Small Enterprises Fund is a new initiative of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation designed to empower tourism MSMEs by providing financial assistance in the form of a grant.

Their focus is to support and diversify Fiji’s tourism products and experiences. Given the dominance of MSMEs in the tourism sector, support for MSMEs’ long-term sustainability and expansion is critical for visitor experiences and community benefits.

Objectives

• The objectives of the Pilot are in line with the four goals of the National Sustainable Tourism Framework 2024-2034 (NSTF).
  • Goal 1: Prosperous Visitor Economy
    • Tourism supports a prosperous, modern and resilient economy
  • Goal 2: Thriving and Inclusive Communities
    • Tourism empowers and improves the wellbeing of their communities
  • Goal 3: Visible and Valued Cultures
    • Tourism amplifies and promotes their diverse culture and heritage
  • Goal 4: Healthy Islands and Oceans
    • Tourism accelerates climate action, protects their ecosystems, and support resilience

Priorities

• Additionally, the Pilot further intends to align to the ten priorities of the NSTF:
  • Prosperous Visitor Economy
    • Create an enabling policy environment and regulatory coherence
    • Nurture sustainable investments
    • Create a competitive destination with diverse experiences
  • Thriving and Inclusive Communities
    • Place community empowerment and social inclusion at the centre of tourism planning
    • Grow experiential and culturally responsible tourism that supports tourism dispersal
    • Make tourism a career pathway of choice via rewarding employment and entrepreneurship
  • Visible and Valued Cultures
    • Protect and promote their diverse cultures and traditions
    • Enable prosperous and creative industries
  • Healthy Islands And Oceans
    • Strengthen protection of their islands, coastal and ocean ecosystems
    • Build resilience to climate change and transition to a low-carbon sector

Funding Information

• Micro enterprise: up to $15,000
• Small enterprise: up to $25,000.

Eligible Projects

• The Pilot will provide grant funding for the purchase and construction of capital projects as well as operational items. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Improvement of products and experiences (including virtual, land and marine experiences);
  • Visibility and awareness such as website upgrade;
  • Adoption of technology to enhance visitor experiences;
  • Amenities enhancements such as visitor areas or signage;
  • Small-scale infrastructure such as trails, signage; and
  • Equity funding with financial institutions (FIs) for capital expenditure and diversification purposes. Relevant FIs compliance and requirements will apply.

Eligible Activities

• In its Pilot phase, the following tourism activities and experiences will be considered:
  • Activities that promote culture and heritage
  • Environmentally sustainable activities such as bird watching and trekking
  • Accessibility such as trails and signage
  • Upgrade and rejuvenation of heritage sites
  • Natural parks such as forests and reef

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible, MSMEs must be:
  • Fijian citizens of 18 years of age and above;
  • An existing registered enterprise in operation for two years;;
  • Registered entity must be majority Fijian owned (at least 51%);
  • Engaged in tourism and where a majority share of revenue comes from the tourism sector including tour operators, activity providers, ground operators, hospitality, food and beverage, and transportation;
  • Ability to meet the one-third cash funding project cost with support documents satisfactory to the Ministry.

Ineligibility Criteria

• The following will not be considered in the Pilot for funding:
  • Proposals from former recipients that do not showcase any diversification or growth or the proposal is similar to previously assisted project the recipient received;
  • Proposal for Debt refinancing;
  • Proposals that have non-enterprise activities;
  • Proposals from Civil Servants;
  • Proposals with business turnover (sales) of more than $300,000 per year;
  • Proposals requesting large scale infrastructure development, i.e. roads, land preparation, evacuation center, jetties, etc (case by case basis – exceptions to utilities upgrade);
  • Costs associated with regulatory approvals required from relevant authorities e.g. Rural Local Authority, Environment, iTaukei Land Trust Board, National Fire Authority, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, etc.;
  • Funding high-risk equipment such as generic motor vehicles;
  • Projects that do not comply with any laws of Fiji;
  • Activities unrelated to tourism development; and
  • Projects lacking clear objectives or feasibility; and
  • Previous Government grant recipients may be eligible provided they demonstrate that the grant received was utilized appropriately.

For more information, visit Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.