Just five minutes from the centre of Labasa Town, Fiji, stands a vibrant green home that now serves as the headquarters of Pillay’s Printing Press.
As a proud recipient of a BLP Climate Donor Grant, Pillay’s Printing Press exemplifies how local vision and climate-conscious entrepreneurship can drive meaningful change and inspire a new generation.
Emmanuel Pillay has over 18 years of experience in the printing industry. In 2015, the company he worked for shut down. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Emmanuel saw an opportunity; people still needed printing services, especially in Vanua Levu, where options were limited, and prices were high. With determination and support from his family, he took a bold step and started his own printing business.
He came across the BLP grant opportunity on social media. Emmanuel applied and was thrilled to receive a grant of $3,000 to help install solar panels and towards the replenishment of essential printing supplies. He says the solar panels now sustainably power specialized lighting used to inspect prints for quality before final production.
“I need strong lights to see clearly and make sure everything is perfect before we print in bulk,” he explained. “If we miss a mistake, it becomes a loss. The solar panels help me get the lighting I need, without the high electricity cost.”
Thanks to the grant, he has reduced his electricity bill by more than 50%, cutting monthly costs significantly. “The savings have helped me stay competitive. I can now offer better prices and better quality.”
What truly brings a smile to his face, though, is his 19-year-old son, Enoch. A graphic design enthusiast, his son not only helps with the creative side of the business but also understands the importance of reducing their carbon footprint. Together, they are building a business that blends tradition, technology, and sustainability.
When the Business Assistance Fiji team arrived, it was his son who proudly opened the garage door and welcomed us with a warm smile and a cheerful, “Welcome to Pillay’s Printing Press!” Emmanuel says that simple gesture spoke volumes, it showed just how much pride his son takes in the family business.
“My son shares my vision,” Mr. Pillay said proudly. “He supports me every step of the way. This business is no longer just mine, it’s ours.”
This is more than a story about printing. It is a story of faith, family, and the meaningful change that opportunity can bring, helped with support from Business Assistance Fiji and Business Link Pacific.
BLP facilitates access to business advisory services and financial support. To start your journey with BLP, you can self-assess your needs by using the free online tools available to help small- and medium-sized businesses diagnose areas in their businesses that an advisor could improve.
The first step can be the online Business Health Check. You can also check your business’s resilience to respond to crises or climate change challenges on the Business Continuity Planner and the Climate Action Sensor. If you prefer to meet a local BLP representative in person to discuss your business, get in touch with our local partners to arrange a face-to-face Diagnostic.