LocationsLevuka Market Vendors and Farmers Access Grant Proposal Training
August 25, 2025
Participants of the training.
Levuka, Fiji - Last week, 49 market vendors and farmers (15 men and 34 women) from Levuka Municipal market gathered for a two-day Grant Proposal Writing Training. The training focused on equipping local entrepreneurs with the skills to access funding, grow their businesses, and uplift their communities.
This initiative, led by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) in partnership with the Markets for Change (M4C) Project, is part of a broader national effort to support rural women vendors and farmers through capacity-building programs. More than a workshop, the Levuka training became a catalyst for change as it provided the space for farmers and vendors to share their challenges, stories, and learn from each other.
From Market Stalls to Business Plans
Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of grant proposal writing, starting with concept notes and progressing to full proposals using GEF’s structured templates.
The training emphasized:
• Crafting clear project objectives and expected outcomes
• Designing realistic budgets aligned with activities
• Demonstrating community participation and ownership
• Planning for sustainability and long-term impact
The sessions also highlighted the importance of essential documentation, such as business registration, TIN letters, bank statements, and group registration with relevant ministries—key steps often overlooked but critical for grant eligibility. Most of the participants agreed that they lacked the proper documentation, and compliance on licensing of their business, TIN Registration and opening of bank account.
This is an area they will work towards improving in order to be able to access grants to grow and expand their business.
“This was a great opportunity for me to attend the workshop as it will help with my market business. I know applying for grants is not easy but this workshop provided me with the know how (knowledge) and skills to help me apply for the grant.” - Peceli Davoivale, Levuka
Peceli Davoivale.
“For me, the workshop has reminded me of the importance of working together through the cooperative model, and also looking out for business opportunities for growth.”- Fane Koyanasau, Bureta
Fane Koyanasau.
“The two-day training is so good and very informative, quite simple and easy to understand. The knowledge gained will help be step forward and be confident to apply for grant.” - Seruwaia Beci, Lovoni
Seruwaia Beci.
Women at the Forefront of Change
Women made up nearly 70 percent of the Levuka cohort, reflecting a powerful shift in the entrepreneurial landscape. These women are not just vendors—they are leaders, innovators, and change-makers. The training gave them confidence to step out and formalize their businesses, seek funding, and explore cooperative models that strengthen their collective voice.
A highlight of the training was a virtual learning exchange by Ms. Sofia Talei, a Suva market vendor and president of the Suva Women Market Inspiring Cooperative shared her decade-long journey with the M4C Project and her success in forming a women’s cooperative.
Her message to Levuka’s vendors was heartfelt:
“Don’t give up—keep persisting, and in the end, a door will open. The lessons and skills from the M4C Project—like good communication and negotiation—helped me move forward and ask for help to form our cooperative.”
Sofia’s story resonated deeply, especially with women who had long dreamed of expanding their businesses but lacked the tools and support to do so.
Lessons: Persistence Pays Off
Another powerful learning that was shared regarding applying for the grants, was the importance of persistence:
“If you apply and don’t get it the first time, don’t give up. Make sure your group is registered, your documents are in order, and keep trying.”
This message reinforced the value of resilience and preparation - both central themes throughout the training.
Beyond Business: A Vision for Sustainable Communities
The training also explored broader themes of sustainability, chemical-free farming, and environmental stewardship. Participants learned how to align their proposals with GEF’s values, ensuring that their projects not only benefit their businesses but also contribute to healthier and resilient communities.
Peer-to-peer learning sessions added another layer of richness, with vendors sharing experiences on cooperative formation, registration processes, and navigating government support systems. These exchanges will create solidarity and help build a network of support that will continue long after the training ends.
Renewed Purpose
Vendors left the training not just with ideas, but with a renewed sense of purpose. They now have the tools to craft strong proposals, access funding, and grow enterprises that reflect their values and aspirations.
A Shared Commitment
The collaboration between UNDP, Ministry of Agriculture, Levuka Town Council and Levuka Market Vendors Association reflects a unified commitment to practical, grassroots improvements for Fiji’s rural communities. It’s a promising sign of what can be achieved when partnerships are built on listening, responsiveness, and shared purpose.
Markets for Change (M4C) is a regional initiative aimed at improving the economic security and working conditions of women market vendors in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands and Samoa. M4C focuses on strengthening market infrastructure, vendor capacity, and gender equality to create more sustainable and inclusive marketplaces.
The M4C project is implemented by UN Women in partnership with UNDP and with support from the Government of Australia.
For more information, please contact:
Fane Cinavilakeba Project Associate Markets for Change Project, Fiji on email: fane.cinavilakeba@undp.org or Vilisi Veibataki, Markets for Change Project Manager, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | vilisi.veibataki@undp.org | +679 3227701
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