Sorry! Applications Are Now Closed
Are you a Fiji entrepreneur offering traveller or tourism experiences? Are you aiming to create a positive social or environmental impact? Then you’re eligible to apply for our Sustainable Tourism Accelerator – access skills, knowledge, connections, micro grants and community, essentials to help your business sustain and thrive.
program snapshot
At A Glance
This edition of our Sustainable Tourism Accelerator opens the door to entrepreneurs of all genders. Alongside our phenomenal partners, we’re here to support Fiji’s underestimated entrepreneurs grow impactful businesses in the tourism sector.
The Accelerator features an immersive live-in Bootcamp followed by a six-month support phase, offering coaching, tailored mentorship, masterclasses, site visits, micro-grants and access to our global learning community.
Building on our partnerships with Tourism Fiji and Talanoa Treks, we’re excited to launch a new collaboration with Duavata Sustainable Tourism Collective, a network of businesses championing sustainable and regenerative tourism in Fiji.
Collectively, they’ll be providing their expertise in nurturing early-stage tourism ventures and support you to create lasting industry partnerships for your business. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend Tourism Fiji’s premier event – the Fiji Tourism Exchange.
Join a dynamic cohort of 12 like-minded entrepreneurs to access essential skills, knowledge, connections, micro-grants, community and support crucial for your business growth.
why tourism?
Our Challenge
The tourism industry is the greatest contributor to Fiji’s economy. Travellers are indicating that they want more responsible, sustainable tourism options and key stakeholders across Fiji’s tourism sector are following suit.
However launching and scaling a tourism business can be challenging. The industry dynamics and structure can be complex and difficult to navigate, even intimidating.
Local startups, small and community-led businesses can struggle to have their voices heard or make the connections they need to build their ventures. This is particularly apparent for underestimated founders, such as women, iTaukei, and LGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.
Which is why we’re on a mission to help level the playing field. Alongside our friends at the Good Business Foundation, Tourism Fiji, Talanoa Treks and Duavata Sustainable Tourism Collective, we’re supporting Fijian entrepreneurs to develop meaningful businesses in our tourism sector.
It’s all about creating a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable tourism industry. Supporting experiences that nurture our communities and people, honour our heritage and culture, protect our lands and ocean, and connect travellers with authentic, quality experiences where “happiness comes naturally”.
Together, we can create a more inclusive and impactful tourism sector. A place where businesses like yours, can thrive.
This program has been a true blessing for me. It has expanded my knowledge as an entrepreneur, especially coming from a small community. I now understand my finances and have gained valuable technical skills. I’ve also joined Tourism Suncoast. I’m no longer afraid or waiting around, I take action. I used to work for hotels and businesses in tourism. Now, I am business owner in tourism. I feel confident and empowered.
MERE WISE • SIGA SPA • SUSTAINABLE TOURISM ACCELERATOR 2024
Dates For The Diary
APPLICATIONS OPEN WED 23RD OCT
You have four weeks to apply for our Sustainable Tourism Accelerator. We accept written or spoken applications. To support your submission, we recommend you download our Application Support Kit
1:1 INFORMATION SESSIONS EVERY WED & THU
Our team is available for private, 1:1 sessions every Wednesday and Thursday – if you have questions, just book us in. Or you can reach via pacificislands@ygap.org. Don’t be shy, we’re here to help.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE WED 27TH NOV
Doors stay open until FJT midnight, Wednesday 27th November. Submissions will be assessed throughout our recruitment. Although you’ll want to take the time to develop a strong application, we do encourage you to apply early.
ONBOARDING MON 2ND – FRI 6TH DEC
All applicants will be notified of the outcome by Monday 2nd December. If successful, you will proceed to our onboarding process – travel arrangements, welcome kits and a kickoff talanoa.
BOOTCAMP SUN 9TH – FRI 14TH FEB
Held in Suva, the residential Bootcamp is an immersive, live-in experience where you will nail your business model and prepare for growth, while connecting with an inspiring group of entrepreneurs.
SUPPORT MON 11TH MAR – FRI 21ST JUN
Over 6 months, participants will receive holistic and tailored support – mentoring, connections, coaching sessions, access to our global learning platform and a series of masterclasses featuring an array of experts.
MICRO GRANTS MON 24TH MAR – FRI 18TH APR
Participants will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible micro grant to target the specific needs of their business. Our team will work alongside you to help maximise funding and get the best bang for your buck!
FIJI TOURISM EXCHANGE SUN 11TH – TUE 13TH MAY
Participants will attend Tourism Fiji’s premier event – the Fiji Tourism Exchange. Bringing together international trade, media and local tourism suppliers in one location, you will create business opportunities and connect with stakeholders.
The Bootcamp was a great week, with a lot of learning. When I first entered, I was very nervous and didn’t know what to expect. But now, at the end, I am leaving with more knowledge than I came with. And I also gained sisters. The program helped me come out of my shell, be bold, and open up. I’ve always been afraid that my ideas wouldn’t be valued, but now I feel more confident sharing them. Growing up, we weren’t encouraged to express our opinions, but joining the Accelerator changed that. Without it, I wouldn’t have registered my business.
IVA VUNIKURA • IVA VUNIKURA INVESTMENT & UTO NI YALO TRUST • SUSTAINABLE TOURISM ACCELERATOR 2024
Who Are We Looking For?
You’re an entrepreneur in Fiji – you are leading an emerging, early-stage or small venture in Fiji.
You’re after the tourism market – you’re either exclusively focused on tourism or incorporating travel experiences into a complimentary business. Either way, you are hoping to welcome more visitors and grow your reach.
You’re in the early stages – you have fully developed, tested or launched a tourism experience (or multiple experiences), able to demonstrate early traction or proof of concept.
There is heart behind your hustle – you aspire to make a positive difference in your community or environment, helping grow a better Fiji.
You have a big, beautiful vision – you may be starting small but you’re keen to progress your venture and scale your impact.
You want to connect and grow – you’re eager to learn from, share and connect with likeminded entrepreneurs from across Fiji and around the world.
You will bring your A-Game – if successful, you are prepared to roll up your sleeves and make the best of the opportunity.
Word On The Coconut Wireless
It Takes A Tribe
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Answers To Your Questions
Don’t see what you’re looking for? We’re here to help – please send us a message via pacificislands@ygap.org or Facebook.
What Is An Accelerator?
An Accelerator is a program that gives early stage businesses access to the skills, knowledge, connections, funding, community and other types of support they require to become sustainable and scalable. They often are fixed in duration and cohort-based.
What Do You Mean By Sustainable Tourism?
When we refer to a sustainable tourism business, we are seeking entrepreneurs aiming to create positive environmental or social change through their tourism venture or experiences. For inspiration and examples, check out our friends at Duavata Sustainable Tourism Collective – this dynamic network of values-led tourism ventures are paving the way for Fiji’s sustainable and regenerative tourism sector.
If My Business Isn't Focused On Tourism, Can I Still Apply?
Unfortunately, not for this program. Our upcoming Accelerator is only for businesses offering traveller or tourism experiences – if you have a business that offers things to do, places to stay or experiences to try, you are very welcome to apply. Some examples are farm visits, art or craft classes, culinary or traditional cooking classes, historical walks, river trips or ocean excursions.
I Prefer Learning In Vosavakaviti / Fijian Hindi. Can I Still Appy?
Absolutely! The Sustainable Tourism Accelerator will be delivered in English, so we do require a level of English proficiency. However, if you prefer to learn in Vosa Vakaviti or Fijian Hindi, we can arrange Support Facilitators to be at your side. Please be sure to nominate your preferred learning language in your application.
Im Working On My Business Part-Time, Can I Still Apply?
Yes, you can. We understand that getting a new venture off the ground can take time, and that you may not yet be making enough money to support yourself and your loved ones. That being said, we do expect our successful applicants to be actively working on their venture and striving to work on their venture full time as soon as is feasible. Our Sustainable Tourism Accelerator can help you get there sooner.
If I Don't Have A Team, Can I Stil Apply?
Yes you can! Having a team is just one of the components we look at when making our selection decision. Your team could consist of family, friends, neighbours or anyone you trust to lend a hand with your business. If you haven’t found that great team yet, that’s okay (as long as you see value in eventually building your team). Remember, it’s impossible to build a large, successful business all on your own.
I'm Fijian But Not Livng There. Can I Still Apply?
Sorry, not at this stage. We are committed to building the agency and capacity of underestimated local leaders, looking to support ideas led by those on the ground.
What Is An Impact Business?
We believe that business can be a force for good. In supporting entrepreneurship, we aim to address the pressing social and environmental challenges faced by our Pacific Islands region (and around the world). This program aims to support ventures focused on creating positive social or environmental change within the Fiji’s tourism sector – aka a positive impact!
I Thought You Only Ran Programs For Women?
This year, our Accelerator is open to all genders,
with a special welcome to women, iTaukei, and LGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.
Many emerging businesses are underestimated due to systemic barriers, limited access to resources, and societal biases. If this resonates with you, we encourage you to apply and take advantage of this opportunity!
I Don't Have Revenue Yet - Can I Still Apply?
Having revenue shows us that people are willing to pay for tourism product or service that you have created or are providing – this is “proof of concept”
If you don’t have revenue yet, get creative! In your application, find tangible ways to demonstrate ‘proof of concept’ and early traction.
Show us that your venture has fully developed an offering that travellers need or want. Some examples could be evidence of positive trials, focus groups or customer surveys.
I Have A Co-Founder(s). Can I Still Apply?
Absolutely! If you have a co-founder (or several) you can apply for the Sustainable Tourism Accelerator.
However please note, during the Bootcamp and Fiji Tourism Exchange we can only accommodate one founder per venture – you’ll need to decide which of you is best placed to attend.
During the support phase, there will be opportunities for you to nominate a 2nd member of your business to attend masterclasses and other activities – for example, a co-founder or a senior member of your team.
Can My Co-Founder(s) Attend The Accelerator?
During the Bootcamp and Fiji Tourism Exchange, we can only accommodate one founder per venture – you’ll need to decide which of you is best placed to attend.
However during the support phase, there will be opportunities for you to nominate a 2nd member of your business to attend masterclasses and other activities – for example, a co-founder or a senior member of your team.
My Previous Application Was Unsuccessful. Can I Apply Again?
Yes! If you are operating a tourism-oriented business in Fiji we would be absolutely delighted to have you apply – we can’t wait to see what you have achieved since your last submission! It would be advisable to read the eligibility criteria well to ensure that you meet the specifications for this Accelerator.
I'm Having Technical Issues Submitting My Application
As best as possible, please ensure you have a strong internet connection. If this doesn’t work, try loading from another computer or device. If you are still having problems, please send us a message via pacificislands@ygap.org or Facebook. We’re here to help!
Application Tips & Information
Before you apply, we highly recommend you review our eligibility criteria and Application Support Kit.
Have questions? Please get in touch – book us in for a 1:1 session, reach out on Facebook or via email pacificislands@ygap.org. Vinaka vakalevu, we look forward to reviewing your submission!
PREFER A WRITTEN APPLICATION?
Please complete our online application form. As best as possible, please be sure to answer all of our questions and provide as much detail as you can. You will also have the opportunity to upload supporting materials such as photos, links and documents.
PREFER A SPOKEN APPLICATION?
Feel more comfortable expressing yourself verbally? We are accepting video applications. Please review our Application Support Kit, which includes the questions you’ll need to answer. Email your video and any supporting materials to pacificislands@ygap.org.
Applications close FJT Midnight, Wednesday 27th November