From Event Catering to Dolphin Watching: BLP Subsidy increases access to quality business advice across industry sectors in Fiji
Tax compliance issues can be very damaging to businesses, especially smaller businesses who are intent on growing their enterprise.
Regardless of the industry you operate in, the BLP programme can assist small and medium sized businesses to access the quality advice and assistance needed to address tax and accounting issues.
In this weeks blog Webmedia South Pacific share the stories of two local businesses in Fiji, Janice Stewart Home Catering and Dolphin Watch Fiji, both recipients of accounting and tax compliance support from Qavio Consulting through the BLP Subsidy.
Access to quality and affordable business advisory services is something that any small business would gladly welcome. This is how Janice Stewart of Janice Stewart Home Catering won the battle against nearly insurmountable tax compliance issues.
In operation for over twenty years, Janice Stewart Home Catering originated from humble beginnings with door-to-door office rounds. Within three years it gradually evolved into providing large-scale catering services such as lovo (slow-cooked in underground oven) lunches and dinners.
The business went from catering 30-50 people to 500-600 for group functions with clients such as NGOs (UN Women), Government, and the Fijian Elections Office. Employing three women, up to 10 to 15 additional assistants are also hired to work on large-scale events.
Janice Stewart (front), Founder of Janice Stewart Home Catering with members of her catering team.
However, despite the success they were achieving, the business unfortunately fell into a quandary of tax compliance issues with the Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (FRCS) due to incorrect accounting practices carried out by their private accountant.
Ms. Stewart visited Napolioni Batimala and Benjamin Sikuri of Qavio Consulting (a BLP approved service provider) in 2018, where they did a remarkable job of reducing both the tax and the penalties, offering the services at a reduced rate using the BLP Subsidy.
“In many ways, they saved our business,” said Ms. Stewart. “Qavio Consulting were so helpful with the advice they have given me. If it weren’t for BLP, I wouldn’t have gotten that kind of quality assistance. BLP and Qavio really made a difference; they helped me get through my toughest challenge and they set us up properly… and now the future is so much brighter.”
“The BLP programme is wonderful. It effectively helps entrepreneurs learn how to properly run a business in better ways,” she added.
The BLP programme works across all industry sectors in Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, so small and medium sized businesses regardless of the industry they operate in are eligible for support.
One such example is Dolphin Watch Fiji, also known as Takalana Bay Retreat. Nestled along the ocean in rural Tailevu, 35km northwest of Korovou, Takalana is an 85-acre eco & dolphin retreat owned and operated by Jay Bau and his wife, Viniana.
In operation for more than 15 years the retreat offers snorkelling, dolphin watching expeditions, accommodation, food and beverage, horse riding, village visits amongst other tourist adventures.
Having previously served as a former accountant for Takalana Bay Retreat, Benjamin Sikuri from Qavio Consulting introduced Mr. Bau to Business Link Pacific. As a result, Takalana was able to gain access to consultations with Qavio Consulting, using the BLP Subsidy, receiving much needed support and advice for tax concessions and other critical accounting work.
Owners of Takalana Retreat (Dolphin Watch Fiji), Jay Bau and his wife, Viniana.
Takalana’s association with Business Link Pacific has opened new doors of business opportunities and have been able to correctly lodge their tax returns on time as well as complete all necessary financial paperwork.
“Business Link Pacific is doing a great job and hopefully they can continue to help other growing businesses too. BLP is a rare and valuable opportunity, and qualified SMEs should take full advantage,” says Mr. Bau. “We are quite fortunate to have BLP on our side, the improved efficiencies has relieved a lot of stress and has allowed me to focus much more on client development.”
He is a strong believer that local SMEs need to seek quality financial advice.
“Solid professional advice, along with committed sacrifice and hard work will help local businesses to be well-prepared and authors of their own financial success stories.”
“Every learning opportunity provided by organised training and workshops should be fully utilised by local SMEs. They are platforms for relevant business knowledge and help to instil great business confidence as well.”
Now equipped with invaluable accounting advice, Janice Stewart Catering and Dolphin Watch Fiji can focus on the good work they do to continually bring impactful contributions to Fiji’s economy.
Qavio Consulting is a Business Link Pacific approved service provider and one of Fiji’s leading business consultants for the SME sector. Qavio offers quality advice for a range of services including: investment considerations, tax and land development as well as finance and accounting. Benjamin Sikuri and Napolioni Batimala are experienced business advisors who specialise in working with local SMEs to help grow their businesses.
To find out if your business is eligible for the BLP Subsidy and to learn more about BLP’s services, contact
In Fiji: Kitione Nadaro – [email protected]
In Samoa: John Lemoa – [email protected]
In Vanuatu: Yvonne Leo Taiki – [email protected]
In PNG: Paul Wendland – [email protected]