Supported by an FJD 4,000 BLP small grant, Avikash Motors & Repairs has successfully transformed from a manual, labour-intensive workshop into a modern, highly efficient garage.

By acquiring heavy commercial-grade equipment alongside precision power tools, including a cordless combo kit, battery charger, and angle grinder, the youth-led enterprise in Labasa can now handle complex repairs completely in-house. This strategic grant, delivered through BLP partner Business Assistance Fiji (BAF), has drastically reduced vehicle turnaround times, eliminated expensive outsourcing costs, and set the business on a strong path for growth and youth employment.

“As a young entrepreneur in a rural area, accessing the right tools has historically been the biggest barrier to growing my business,” notes Avikash Nadan, owner of Avikash Motors & Repairs. “This grant funding completely changes how we operate because having our own machines finally allows us to stop outsourcing our work. We no longer have to turn away complex jobs or waste valuable time on heavy manual labour.”

Prior to receiving grant assistance, the 100% locally owned enterprise operated under severe technological constraints in rural Labasa. The work conducted by the businesses two permanent staff was heavily labour-intensive. Lacking essential heavy infrastructure like commercial vehicle presses and lifting gear, the small team had to expend extensive physical manpower, which severely prolonged vehicle turnaround times and limiting daily capacity. Furthermore, without the precision equipment necessary for complex mechanical work, the business was forced to consistently outsource high-value technical jobs to larger facilities. This structural dependency inflated operational costs and capped the enterprise’s annual turnover at FJD 26,469, causing significant revenue leakage from the local economy.

Pictured above: Avikash Nadan.
Top image: Lanieta Senirosi (BAF), Avikash Nadan (Aviskash Motors & Repairs owner) and Deepak Prasad (BAF)

To systematically eliminate these bottlenecks, the grant was directly deployed into a targeted asset procurement strategy. The capital injection funded core heavy machinery specifically a 20-tonne press and a specialised spring press which shifted the business away from manual extraction methods. Additionally, the procurement of a 200-litre single-phase electric air compressor introduced stable pneumatic power, supported by a precision power tool including cordless drills, an angle grinder, jacks, and commercial tool sets. By bundling heavy machinery with precision power tools, the intervention established the necessary infrastructure to allow complex repairs, eliminate operational delays and optimise the small workforce.

The return-on-investment spans distinct operational, financial, and environmental metrics:

• Operationally, the workshop transitioned from a slow, manual baseline to an accelerated, mechanised workflow that achieves 100% internalisation of high-value technical repairs. Financially, neutralizing the outsourcing bottleneck allows the business to capture higher-volume maintenance works and retain its revenue, shattering its historical turnover ceiling.
• Socially, the modernised workshop now serves as a structured technical training pathway to mentor and employ local youth in vocational trades.
• Environmentally, the adoption of energy-efficient electric tools aligns with climate-conscious practices, while the workshop’s core focus on vehicle maintenance promotes a circular economy by extending vehicle lifespans and reducing emissions.

Just like Avikash Motors, your enterprise can break through operational bottlenecks, modernise its technology, and achieve sustainable growth. BLP is committed to helping micro, small, and medium enterprises across the Pacific unlock their true financial and operational potential. Whether you need targeted financial support to procure critical commercial machinery or access to specialised business diagnostics, BLP is your partner in growth.

BLP supports SMEs across 12 Pacific Island nations by connecting businesses with quality advisory services, business tools, grants, concessionary lending, and other financial services designed to support inclusive and resilient private sector growth.

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.