1,039 people living in Ba, Tavua and Vatukoula have now been given an opportunity to start up or grow their own business as they are the newest recipients of the Micro and Small Business Grants.

While speaking at the grants disbursement ceremony, Minister for Industry and Trade, Faiyaz Koya applauded the Western Division for not letting the recent Natural Disasters bring them down.

Koya says these people are the examples of how positive attitude and endurance can overcome any hurdles.

He reiterated on the purpose of these grants which was intended to improve the lives of the grass-root communities.

Koya added that this initiative has achieved an outstanding 80.3 percent success rate, which is an exceptional performance.

During the event, 50 renewed leases were also issued which are for state land agriculture and includes residential leases.

Koya adds that the number of businesses assisted through the grants since 2015 is now 19,548.

The total amount of funds released is now $18.3 million since the launch of the program in 2015.