When Stuart Gow first landed in Fiji in 1996, he and his wife were chasing a dream to find the perfect scuba diving destination. What started as an adventure soon developed into a new life in Fiji with a lifelong commitment to the community.
Stuart went on to establish Resort Support, an advisory business which helps small to medium sized hospitality providers grow their businesses through practical advice and sustainable solutions. Passionate about both the environment and entrepreneurship, Stuart is constantly looking for ways to run Resort Support more efficiently.
In 2024, Stuart attended the Climate Action Training for Business Advisors, hosted by Business Link Pacific (BLP) and Business Assistance Fiji (BAF). He received training in Climate Change Innovation and how to be a Climate Advisor with one-on-one mentorship. He says this gave him valuable insights into climate-smart practices for small businesses including energy efficiency, sustainability strategies, and green financing.
When Stuart joined the training, he was already considering investing in a solar power system. What he didn’t know was that BLP, through BAF, was offering grants of up to $20,000 for businesses shifting to clean energy. The training not only validated his goal, but it also connected him to the support needed to achieve it.
With help from BAF, Stuart refined his business plan and organized his financials to apply for the grant. To buy the solar power system he contributed $8,000 of his own funds, while BLP provided $20,000. Within just three weeks, the system was fully installed.
Now, he monitors the power system in real time through an app on his phone. The impact has been significant: his electricity bill has dropped from $150–$200 to just $12 per month. The system powers his entire office, including air conditioning, two refrigerators, a microwave, and all his equipment.
Beyond the savings, the reliability of solar has been a game-changer.
“One of the biggest benefits,” Stuart says, “is that with Suva and its unplanned power outages, my home and office are never without power. That kind of reliability is priceless when you’re running a business.”
He’s also deeply appreciative of how the BLP programme backs established entrepreneurs. “What I really appreciate, is that BLP supports businesses that have already been in operation for two or three years. It’s a huge morale boost. When someone believes in your journey and is willing to invest in it, that drives you to push forward and do even more.”
Today, Stuart is not only a grant recipient but also an approved business advisor with BLP, with approved competencies in Advertising & Promotions, Strategy and Planning, Accounting & Financial Management and Climate Change Adaptation to guide local businesses towards greater sustainability. His journey shows how the right support, paired with vision and drive, can transform a business and inspire others to follow.
As Fiji moves toward greener and more resilient business models, entrepreneurs like Stuart Gow are lighting the way, one solar panel at a time.
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.