This programme, Guide to Green Entrepreneurship in Fiji, was designed to help prospective entrepreneurs develop green business ideas and help them develop the skills they need to bring these ideas to fruition and make an impact on green growth in their country, as well as to help Fiji meet its environmental and developmental goals and ensure a clean, prosperous future for the country.
Fiji, like many island nations, is under immediate threat from climate change and other environmental issues, and also faces challenges in creating good career opportunities for young people and others. In an effort to address these issues in Fiji, as well as in Kiribati and Vanuatu, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) embarked on a new programme in 2018 known as Pacific Greenpreneurs. This programme was designed to help prospective entrepreneurs develop green business ideas and help them develop the skills they need to bring these ideas to fruition and make an impact on green growth in their country. GGGI believes that harnessing the energy of the young – and the “young at heart” – through private sector innovation is crucial to developing strong, sustainable economies and addressing environmental issues. Fiji has ambitious goals for the future, and will need all hands on deck to meet these goals through innovation, creativity, and hard work.
In Fiji, the Greenpreneurs Jumpstart Your Green Business Workshop was held in September 2018, organised jointly with the Pacific Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. Over twenty participants engaged with trainers and local business mentors to learn about trends in agriculture, waste, and energy; requirements for starting a business in the country; and examples of existing successful green businesses in Fiji and the Pacific region.