The South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji celebrated its 14th Businesswoman of the Year Awards on 4 October 2024 at the Vodafone Arena. The Chief Guest was His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere President of Fiji. The theme of the celebration was Women-Led Microenterprises Enriching Lives and Building Futures.
The President and Founder of the SPBD Network Greg Casagrande was appreciative of the participation by SPBD members, the diplomatic corps, valued members, generous sponsors, invited guests and Team SPBD. Earlier during the day, Mr. Casagrande also attended the Sisters in Business Programme sponsored by Courts. Members showcased their wares and sold their crafts and food. Government Ministries, Statutory Bodies and other private sector companies who are service providers to the microenterprises also used this opportunity to provide awareness about their products.
The Vodafone Arena was packed with over 3,000 in attendance. The culmination of SPBD’s members’ resilience, innovation and determination to realize their hopes and dreams was in the announcement of the winners in the eight categories. The winners were: –
Elena Tinai is a 44-year old entrepreneur from the Lautoka area where she runs her own highly successful fishing and kava business. Elena first joined SPBD in 2013 and her business has steadily grown, gaining a reputation for high-quality seafood that often sells out at market. She credits the camaraderie and encouragement from her fellow centre members as well as the unwavering belief of her husband in her abilities in her success.
Elrico Munoz, General Manager and Director at SPBD Fiji congratulated the winners including the finalists for the eight categories. Mr. Munoz thanked everyone who assisted to make the event a success. He was appreciative of the presence of the strategic partners, generous sponsors the valued SPBD members who made the celebrations a reality.
About SPBD Microfinance Network
SPBD’s mission is to improve the quality of life of underprivileged families by providing them meaningful economic opportunity to help lift them permanently out of poverty. SPBD is especially focused on empowering women to start, grow and maintain micro-businesses through the provision of access to financial and business development services as well as the opportunity to build assets, improve financial security and finance housing improvements and education.
SPBD’s vision is to create a network of financially self-sufficient and scalable micro-enterprise development organizations throughout the South Pacific.
Recent Media Coverage:
https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/spbd-honours-members/
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/business/spbd-creates-genuine-opportunities/
https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Over-5500-women-involved-in-MSMEs-18742-self-employed-and-4650-working-in-handicrafts—Ratu-Wiliame-854rxf/
