20/01/2025
Co-operative Development Fund
The Co-operative Development Fund (CDF) aims to foster the growth and sustainability of co-operatives in Fiji by providing financial assistance for their development projects. The programme is designed to contribute to poverty alleviation, employment creation, and providing services to members and grassroots Fijian communities.
Through CDF, assistance is provided to 15 sectors where Cooperatives operate which include wholesale and retail trade, agriculture and food industry, administrative and support services, transport, real estate activities, banking and financial services, accommodation and food service activities, human health and social work activities, multipurpose, logging, investment, tourism, construction, utilities and industry sectors. The programme targets registered Co-operatives within the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) income threshold that are fully compliant to the Co-operative Act 1996 (Act).
Click Here to view the additional information on Co-operative Development Fund Policy Document.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA – WHO CAN APPLY?
Applications for assistance through the CDF must meet the following criteria:
Existing co-operatives in operation for three years or more; (those applying for up to $100,000.00);
New Co-operatives (less than 3 years) for those applying for up to $10,000.00;
Co-operatives must be in full compliance to the Act;
Co-operatives must fall within the MSME income threshold;
Ability to meet the one-third cash funding project cost and should have the necessary documents to support it;
Demonstrate tax compliance and FNPF Compliance; and
Have not accessed any form of financial assistance from the Ministry for the last 5 years for a similar project.
PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING – WHAT TYPE OF PROJECTS QUALIFY FOR CDF ASSISTANCE?
CDF will provide funding for purchase and construction of capital projects as well as operational items, few examples are but not limited to:
Procurement of manufacturing machines for value adding;
Procurement for Wholesale & Retail Purposes;
Operational expenses for value-addition ventures;
Construction and renovation of warehouse, storage facility and eco-tourism projects;
Product development for co-operatives;
Procurement of equipment/Machinery/Technology for diversification purposes; and
Equity funding with financial institutions for capital expenditure, purchase of specialised vehicles/boats and diversification purposes.
APPLICATION FORM – HOW TO APPLY?
You can apply online here: CBIS (mcttt.gov.fj)
Before access the link above please ensure to have the following documents ready:
Completed CDF Application Form;
Valid Co-operative Registration Certificate;
Valid Photo Identification of Board Members (Driver’s License or Voter ID Card or Passport Biodata Page);
Co-operative Tax Identification Number (TIN);
Tax Compliance certificate;
FNPF Compliance
Audited Financial statements for the past 3 years for existing or
Audited financial statements for the past 1 year for co-operatives in operation for less than 3 years;
Detailed Business Plan inclusive of 3 years Cash Flow Forecasts/Projections;
Support and Validity letter from relevant Ministry and Stakeholders;
Compliance to regulatory requirements as per business scope;
Membership or shareholder listing; and
Land Lease, tenancy agreement, approved DTCP documents, Title or documentation relevant to proposals that encompass land (for construction – if applicable)
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