09/11/2025
Just start and never give up !!!
Start your own business Youths
Greetings to the people of Fiji.
This is a small piece written by the Director of Futuristic Farms — Mr. Balbir Singh
Let’s talk about business in Fiji.
Start-up businesses are ventures founded by people who dare to think differently and who have a vision to create something meaningful. The biggest ingredient in starting a business is the courage to take risks.
Too often, people keep planning to start a business until they are 55 — when their energy and drive have already faded. By that time, motivation also fades away. I’m not judging anyone — in fact, anyone can start a business at any age. An 80-year-old, a 70-year-old, or even a 96-year-old person can start a business.
But here, I want to speak directly to the youth of Fiji.
If you want to start a business — don’t overthink it. Don’t worry about Plan B, C, D, or Z. Just have one plan — and that plan is to succeed.
Remember: failure is the stepping stone toward success.
Few people know that Futuristic Farms is today a highly reputable and successful business — one that helped me win Youth Entrepreneur of the Year nationally, not once but twice. But behind that success are many untold stories of failure.
Let me share a few of mine.
In my early 20s, after graduating from the University of the South Pacific with Honours and before starting my postgraduate studies, I decided to start a business.
I tried duck farming — it failed.
I tried chicken farming — it failed too.
I tried goat farming — it worked, but didn’t grow commercially.
I even tried becoming a motivational speaker, but between 2015 and 2017, there was no real market for it in Fiji. That too failed.
I have failed again and again. In fact, even during my school years, I failed from Class 1 to Class 8. My only passing mark I remember is 52 in mathematics in Class 7.
But life is not about when you succeed — it’s about how many times you rise after falling.
When you fall, try not to fall flat on your face. Fall on your back — so that when you look up, you can see the sky, dream big, and rise again.
To all the youths of Fiji, believe in yourself.
You can start small — even by the roadside.
If you’re in Wainimbuka or Ra Province, start something with what you have.
If you’re in Tailevu, you can build a coconut-based business.
If you’re in Sigatoka, think about fruit packaging.
If you’re in Ba, start a farming venture.
If you’re in Tavua, you could import and sell clothing or sarees from India.
If you have a strong social media following, you can become a digital marketer — promote products and earn income.
Every area in Fiji has opportunities waiting for those who dare to take the first step.
In late 2024, I personally wanted to retire from farming due to ongoing medical issues and depression. But one of the most respected people in my circle, Mr. Paul Peters, told me:
“You cannot give up. There are youths who look up to you.”
And I didn’t.
In 2025, I again received the Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and soon after, international clients and investors began to believe in my dreams and vision. The journey continues.
So to every young Fijian reading this — never give up.
Failures will come, but they are only stepping stones to success.
Vinaka vakalevu.
— Balbir Singh, Director, Futuristic Farms
