For the first time ever, five youths from around the country have been given twenty thousand dollars each to launch the Young Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES).

The entrepreneurs will be eligible for the grant after a month of business mentorship through the YES programme.

While handing over the certificates to the recipients last night, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama highlighted the government’s effort to support and provide resources they need to grow to become educated and be more ambitious.

Bainimarama says the government will continue to give young people the opportunity they deserve.

“Our work is fielding the most talented and competitive workforce in Fijian history, young people to be equipped with the know how to succeed in the modern market place, with confidence and they can achieve greatness. They have familiarity with the technological tools that are shaping the way consumers operate in the modern market place.”

With the YES initiative expected to get bigger in the coming years, Bainimarama says it’s all about giving life to the ideas of smart and ambitious young people.

The five young entrepreneurs were selected by the scheme judging panel which involves business men and women from the private sector.