Industry and Trade Minister Premila Kumar

Industry and Trade Minister Premila Kumar has commended Total Fiji for helping promote entrepreneurship in the country.

Three young entrepreneurs have been given funding and will be get coaching to start their own business under as part of the ‘Start-upper of the Year’ challenge.

Kumar says such initiative is a morale booster.

“Such international exposure, particularly to our young budding entrepreneurs, will not only build their confidence but motivate them to succeed. Most of us don’t get that exposure at that age and I would like to thank Total for thinking this far.”

Total Fiji Managing Director Kazi Rahman, says 400 applications have been received and two hundred approved.

“We are extremely proud that Fiji was the 3rd highest participant in Asia Pacific Region. The participation also goes to show the energy, determination and the initiative of the youths of Fiji to shape and manage their development independently and based on their priority.”

This year’s three winners received $30,000, $20,000 and $15,000 respectively to manage their start-up businesses.