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SPBD Opens New HQ

MICROFINANCE network South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) officially opened its new headquarters in downtown Suva yesterday afternoon – a move said to be a testament to the resilience, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit of the people. In his official address, chief guest Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica acknowledged the institution’s significant milestone […]

‘Remain honest, diligent’ | Economic empowerment for Tailevu mother

Brush cutting business owner Vasenai Cagitabu has heaped praises on South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) for the assistance it has been providing to small business owners such as herself. Originally from Sote Village, in Verata, Tailevu, the mother of three currently operates her business from Ovea Village in Bau where she has also been selected [...]

SPBD Solomon Islands and DBSI Forge New Funding Partnership

South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) in Solomon Islands is pleased to announce its new exciting partnership with the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) to support financial inclusion and economic empowerment in the Solomon Islands. According to a press statement from SPBD, this is the first funding arrangement between the two organizations which also marks [...]

SPBD Solomon Islands Celebrates Milestone of USD $5 Million Crowdfunded through Kiva Partnership

South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Solomon Islands, in partnership with Kiva, is thrilled to announce a significant achievement: reaching the milestone of USD $5 million (SBD $41M) crowdfunded to support micro-entrepreneurs across the Solomon Islands. This achievement reflects the commitment of SPBD Solomon Islands and Kiva to fostering economic empowerment and creating opportunities for women [...]

14th SPBD Fiji Businesswoman of the Year Awards

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 [...]

The WE-Fiji Code: Valuing Women’s Voices in Fiji’s Finance Sector

South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji has joined financial service providers in a landmark move aimed at increasing funds and access to women-led micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). SPBD Fiji, Westpac, Merchant Finance and the South Pacific Stock Exchange signed their commitment to the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (WE-Fi) Code at a ceremony at […]

SPBD Relocates Labasa Office to Boost Accessibility and Visibility

South Pacific Business Development (SPBD), a key player in Fiji’s microfinance market, has moved its Labasa operation to a new location on the main road of Labasa Town. The relocation was a strategic decision for the organisation, aimed at increasing visibility and accessibility for clients and stakeholders, according to SPBD Fiji’s managing director Elrico Munoz. […]

Crowdfunding Success: $15M in Micro Loans Delivered Through Kiva and SPBD Partnership

Nearly 10,000 micro loans amounting over $15 million have been funded through a partnership between crowdfunding firm Kiva and the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji. This was revealed by Kiva Microfunds’ Asia Pacific investment manager Mark McDonagh when he officially opened SPBD Fiji’s Labasa office yesterday. “Seven years into Kiva’s partnership with SPBD Fiji, […]

SPBD Fiji expands to tenth branch office in Nausori on the Island of Viti Levu

The South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji officially opened its 10th branch in Nausori in June 2024. The new brannch is its latest addition since it established operations in Fiji in 2010. The new branch will provide financial services and business development opportunities to women in the Tailevu region. “Nausori itself has a thriving presence […]