MSME Council

FYI - do register!! All welcome! :)

The Fiji Business Disaster Resilience Council, a council under the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation invites members, business leaders, industry representatives, resilience practitioners and interested stakeholders to join a special webinar on Fiji’s Fuel Crisis: Price, People & Preparedness.

This timely expert panel will bring together leading voices in regulation, climate economics, emergency management and utilities safety to discuss what the current fuel situation means for Fiji and the wider Pacific — and how businesses can better prepare.

📅 Date:12 June 2026
⏰ Time:10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Fiji Time
💻 Format:Online via Zoom
🎟️ Cost:FOC — Free of Charge
🌐 Open to:Everyone

Join Zoom:
[https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/86275969747]

Meeting ID:862 7596 9747
Passcode:072426

Register here:
[https://www.fcef.com.fj/fijis-fuel-crisis-price-people-preparedness]

👊

VOICE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR – New Chapter for Fiji’s Small Tourism Operators” The Tourism Bill 2026 represents the first major overhaul of Fiji’s tourism laws in over 50 years. It replaces the Hotels and Guest Houses Act 1973 with a modern framework for tourism regulation, standards, recognition, investment and support. For Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), this ...

🌺 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐀𝐜𝐭

The MSME Council and the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council - WEBC were pleased to have our advocacy piece featured in The Fiji Times through Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF)’s “Voice of the Private Sector” column.

The article reflected on the passing of the Tourism Act 2026 and what it means for Fiji’s small tourism operators - including homestays, village stays, farm stays, short-term rentals, Airbnb-type accommodation, community tourism operators, cultural experiences, women-led enterprises and other tourism-related MSMEs.

We thank the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation for leading this important reform and for engaging with stakeholders during the consultation process.

From the MSME Council and WEBC perspective, regulation should guide small operators and women entrepreneurs into the system - not frighten them away from formalisation.

We welcome key features of the Act, including MSME representation on the National Tourism Council, a tiered compliance & recognition pathway, Tourism Fund support, Tourism Fiji promotion for registered enterprises, and mediation/arbitration as dispute resolution options.

The next key phase will be the development of the regulations, criteria, forms, fees, self-assessment tools and guidance materials. We look forward to continuing engagement with the Ministry, FCEF, WEBC, the MSME Council and wider MSME networks to ensure implementation is practical, affordable and supportive for small operators and women-led tourism enterprises.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐀𝐜𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐬 - 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰.

Vinaka vakalevu to Duavata Collective | Knox Fiji - Market Collective | Fiji Social Media Entrepreneurs | Fiji Islands Dance Association | Women in Agriculture Network | Tourism Asociation | Sector Business Development Services for contributing and supporting the submission.

Did you know that it is illegal to accept payment for goods and services without being able to supply as ordered?

Section 88 of the Act 2010 prohibits businesses from accepting payment for goods or services that it does not intend to supply or is unable to supply. Or, supplying goods or services materially different from the goods or services in respect of which the payment is accepted.

If this has happened to you, report it to us immediately through one of our contact channels at http://linktr.ee/fijianccc

𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐌 𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐍𝐎. 𝟏𝟎 𝐎𝐅 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐋𝐀𝐖

𝘍𝘪𝘫𝘪 𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘎𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘈𝘤𝘵 1973

𝐒𝐔𝐕𝐀, 𝐅𝐈𝐉𝐈, 𝟐𝟖 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 - The Tourism Bill No. 10 of 2026 was today passed into law, modernising Fiji’s tourism legislation for the first time in decades. The new Tourism Act 2026 repeals and replaces the Hotel and Guest Houses Act 1973, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to reflect the scale, diversity and evolving complexity of Fiji’s modern tourism industry.

Fiji now welcomes close to one million visitors annually, supported by a broad network of hotels, resorts, tour operators, and community-based experiences, including hiking, camping, and platforms such as Airbnb. The legislation that previously governed this sector was developed in the 1970s, when the industry operated at a fraction of its current size.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, said the enactment of the Tourism Act 2026 is a direct response to the growth and evolution of the industry. "Over the last 20 years, Fiji has doubled its visitor numbers. Our communities are more deeply involved in tourism than ever before, and the expectations of travellers and investors alike have changed significantly. It is time our laws reflected that reality."

The Act introduces a framework that covers tourism enterprise registration and recognition, national tourism standards, sustainability and compliance provisions, protections for indigenous and cultural knowledge, and clearer pathways for community participation in the industry. The Act was developed through consultations with industry representatives, community groups, micro, small and medium enterprises, and Government agencies.

"This legislation did not happen overnight," Minister Gavoka said. "It was shaped by the voices of communities, operators, and stakeholders from across the country. We thank everyone who took part in the consultations and who contributed to getting us here today."

The Hotel and Guest Houses Act 1973 will be repealed when the Tourism Act 2026 comes into force, on a date directed by the Minister.

- 𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒 -

❣️

LAQERE NIGHT MARKET!!

Get ready for 6 exciting nights of food, shopping, entertainment, and community vibes at the Laqere Carpark from 1st June 2026 to 6th June 2026!

Time: 6:00PM – 12:00AM Daily
Venue:Laqere Carpark

The Nasinu Town Council is inviting:
✅ Market Vendors
✅ Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
✅ BBQ & Food Stall Operators
✅ Youth Entrepreneurs
✅ Home-Based Businesses
✅ Craft & Fashion Sellers

This is your opportunity to:
🔥 Promote your products
🔥 Grow your business visibility
🔥 Connect directly with customers
🔥 Earn extra income
🔥 Be part of one of Nasinu’s exciting community market events

Whether you sell delicious BBQ, local delicacies, drinks, handmade crafts, clothing, accessories, fresh produce, desserts, or unique products — WE WANT YOU THERE!

⚠️Limited Space Available
Secure your spot early to avoid disappointment.

📞 BOOK NOW
Contact: Ravin – 9921330
Email: [email protected]

As the Tourism Bill 2026 is now being tabled in Parliament, we reflect on the submissions made earlier this month by the MSME Council and the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council - WEBC under the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) that was also supportd by other MSME Networks.

Our central message was simple:

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐬 — 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰.

This Bill is significant because it is not merely replacing the old hotel licensing framework. For the first time, many small and emerging tourism operators — including homestays, village stays, farm stays, campsites, Airbnb-type accommodation, community tourism operators, cultural tourism providers and other tourism-relevant MSMEs — are being brought into a formal tourism regulatory framework.

That is a major step forward, but it must be done carefully.

In our submission, we highlighted the need for:
✅ simple and affordable registration;
✅ tiered rules based on business size, risk, location and capacity;
✅ MSME representation on the National Tourism Council;
✅ access to finance linked with business readiness and mentoring;
✅ stronger protection for Vanua-based and community tourism;
mediation and early dispute resolution before escalation.

The opportunity now is to ensure that the final law is practical, proportionate and enabling — a law that protects Fiji’s tourism standards while also helping small operators formalise, improve, access markets and grow sustainably.

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐢𝐭.

👊

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐃𝐑𝐎𝐂 𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏 𝐅𝐈𝐉𝐈'𝐒 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐑-𝐓𝐎-𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐑 𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌.

The Ministry of Commerce and Business Development (Ministry), together with the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) and the Asian Development Bank's Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI), announces ThirdRoc as the selected partner to design and develop Fiji's first peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform.

Following a rigorous process by the Judging Panel, ThirdRoc were selected through a competitive Request for Proposals (RfP) process, issued through the Fiji Innovation Hub in January 2026 and made possible by the Access to Business Funding Act 2025 which enables innovative financing mechanisms including P2P lending, equity crowdfunding, and small offers regimes. P2P lending will help reduce some of the usual hurdles that MSMEs face in accessing finance. This is by connecting MSMEs directly with lenders through a secure digital platform. The RfP attracted strong interest from firms.

"We were impressed by the strong field of proposals, particularly the depth of technical capability we have here in Fiji. This shows that Fiji is open for innovation and that the Government’s reform agenda is gaining real traction," said the Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development and Co-Chair of the Access to Business Funding Implementation Taskforce, Hon. Esrom Immanuel.

"We look forward to working with the selected partner, ThirdRoc, to expand financing opportunities for MSMEs."

ThirdRoc is the Fijian subsidiary of the Australian-headquartered fintech, focused on alternative credit and enterprise lending technology across the Pacific. The company backed by Antler Australia also holds a Credit Representative Licence with ASIC, is a member of AFCA, and has experience delivering AI-supported credit systems in regulated environments.

By combining consented data, AI-driven insights and regional partnerships, ThirdRoc enables faster, safer and more equitable lending for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and is progressing a Fijian structure for a proposed P2P platform aligned with RBF governance and licensing requirements. ThirdRoc is engaging with potential consortium partners and financial investors to support the launch of the platform.

Supporting the decision, Taskforce Co-chair and Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji Ariff Ali, said, "Fiji is leading the Pacific in opening up new, innovative pathways to finance for businesses and the Reserve Bank of Fiji is committed to ensuring these pathways are developed with strong investor protections and sound risk management. ThirdRoc's proven technology, deep experience, and clear commitment to working within Fiji's regulatory framework gives us confidence in their ability to deliver a platform that meets these standards."

"PSDI is proud to have supported the Government of Fiji and the Reserve Bank through the development of the Access to Business Funding Act and the work to bring its implementation to this point," said Jeremy Cleaver, PSDI's Financing Growth Specialist. "P2P lending has the potential to genuinely expand access to finance for MSMEs in Fiji, including those that have been underserved by the traditional channels, and we are excited to continue supporting this important new market as it takes shape."

ThirdRoc will now enter a support phase through the Fiji Innovation Hub, including participation in a tailored Accelerator Programme that incorporates knowledge transfer and engagement with experienced international P2P lending practitioners. The accelerator phase aims to deliver a launch-ready platform design in the third quarter of 2026, with pilot and rollout milestones to be confirmed in due course.

“Since establishing our presence in Fiji, we have worked closely with partners to improve access to finance for MSMEs and entrepreneurs, while giving lenders and investors greater visibility and confidence in how credit is assessed and monitored.” said Shiv Maharaj, Director, ThirdRoc. “We are working through the RBF process with local institutions to ensure the model is structured safely and built for Fiji’s long-term needs.”

The Ministry, together with the RBF and PSDI, extends its sincere appreciation to all firms that submitted proposals and to those who showed interest and support throughout the process. The strong response reflects a shared commitment to advancing inclusive financial solutions and improving access to finance for MSMEs, and we acknowledge with gratitude the time and expertise contributed by all participants.

PSDI is an Asian Development Bank technical assistance program undertaken in partnership with the governments of Australia and New Zealand.

Join Robert Cordwell — AI expert and practitioner — for a practical, no-fluff online workshop designed for business owners, family businesses, and leaders who want to actually use AI, not just talk about it.

​Robert will walk you through his favourite tools, the tricks that genuinely work, and the traps you'll want to avoid. Whether you're just getting started or already experimenting, this session will give you something you can put to work immediately.

​What you'll walk away with: → A clear picture of which AI tools are worth your time → Practical use cases for small and family businesses → Real shortcuts — and real warnings — from someone who uses these tools daily

​🌏 Why today?

​This workshop is part of Global AI Adoption Day™ (May 6, 2026) — a worldwide moment where organisations, communities, schools, and businesses come together around one question: How do we ensure AI benefits everyone? From the Pacific to Africa to Europe, today is about responsible adoption and bringing everyone along. We're proud to be part of it.

​📅 Today · 5:00 PM (UTC+12) 💻 Online via Google Meet · Free to attend 🔗 The Google Meet link will be sent to you upon registration 🤝 Hosted by Fiji Innovation Hub & DeepAI

​Open to business leaders, aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about what AI can do for them. All levels welcome.

🌊 Join us from anywhere in the Pacific — everyone is welcome, bring a friend.

REGISTER HERE: https://luma.com/njvjmp8d

🙌Here are the steps to follow if anyone would like to start up a taxi base in your local area?!! Thank you Fiji Government for this usefull information