At just 22, Kelevi Stark is proving that passion, heritage, and a little Government support can be the perfect recipe for success.
Drawing inspiration from his mother, a longtime food vendor at the Suva market, the University of the South Pacific student has turned a tradition into an enterprise through his startup, Starks Catering and Events—a dream made real thanks to the Graduate Business Start-Up Grant Scheme.
The Graduate Business Start-Up Grant Scheme was approved by the Coalition Government and included in the 2024–2025 National Budget with an allocation of $300,000 to be administered by Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) and implemented by Fiji Commerce Employers Federation (FCEF).
“I thank the government for bringing out this programme, and I encourage future applicants to take up this opportunity. Remember, it's not about the money; it's not about the grant. It's about the connections that you get; it's about how your business can grow in the future,” Mr Stark said.
Starks Catering and Events focuses on providing catering for all events, from corporate to closed events to family gatherings.
He takes pride in starting a business at a young age.
“I'm thankful that you can actually become something at 22 because if you look back 50 years from now, a 22-year-old wouldn't even be running a business, so that's the only feeling I would say – overwhelmed, honoured, privileged and happy.”