On the remote island of Rabi in Fiji, Naua Investment has become more than just a small retail enterprise; it is a lifeline for its community.
Founded and managed by Rewi Naua, the business has earned a reputation for putting customers first and operating tirelessly six days a week.
Behind the company’s unwavering dedication lay a persistent hurdle: power instability. Operating with a restricted energy supply, Naua Investment’s growth was effectively capped by its reliance on a modest solar setup and a costly backup generator. During Fiji’s frequent cloudy days and rainy seasons, the business was forced into a struggle for survival running the generator into overdrive. This not only drained profits through soaring fuel costs but also exacted a heavy toll on the environment through noise and air pollution, creating a formidable barrier to scaling.
The turning point for the business began on social media. While browsing Facebook, Rewi’s husband came across a life-changing announcement on the Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) page regarding the Business Link Pacific (BLP) Small Grants Facility (SGF). BLP is a private sector development programme funded by the New Zealand government and delivered by DT-Global. This discovery opened the door to the support they needed to overcome their energy challenges.
Rewi was encouraged by her husband to apply, even though they hesitated at first. Operating in a village with limited access to technology and the internet made the process daunting. With determination, they reviewed the requirements and began compiling documents.
They are grateful for help from Orea, a close family friend, who helped prepare their financial statement, and the Banaban Primary School for allowing them to use its printer to finalise and sign documents before submission. The challenges in submitting the grant felt all worth it, when the good news came through that they had been successful in their grant application.
Rewi Naua (left) with Business Assistance Fiji General Manager, Nikita Singh who was on hand to deliver new solar equipment to Naua Investment, made possible by the BLP Small Grants Fund.
With the $FJD4,000 grant invested in solar technology, Naua Investment has transformed its operational model, shifting from a struggle for power to a sustainable future for the Vanua. By swapping expensive, carbon-heavy fuel for the power of the Fiji sun, the business achieved a ‘triple win’, significantly lower overheads, enhanced cold-chain reliability for local produce, and a business contributing to Fiji’s National Development Plan and renewable energy goals. This is more than an upgrade; it is a resilient blueprint for rural MSME success across our islands.
But Rewi’s vision extends beyond her shop. She plans to open her doors to the community, allowing neighbours to charge their devices when conditions permit. In doing so, Naua Investment becomes not just a business but a hub of inclusion and support.
Grateful for the opportunity, Rewi shared, “Thank you, Business Link Pacific Grant, this initiative builds my strength to move forward as a businesswoman. Vinaka.”
The BLP Small Grants Facility (SGF) prioritizes women-led, youth-led, indigenous, and rural enterprises, offering up to $FJD4,000 to help micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) grow sustainably.
By working with Business Link Pacific and its in-country partner Business Assistance Fiji, Naua Investment has turned a vision of sustainable energy into a reality. Their success stands as an invitation to all MSMEs to leverage this partnership, proving that targeted support can empower local businesses to thrive while protecting our island home.
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.