South Pacific Business Development (SPBD), the South Pacific’s leading microfinance network, is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in Apia this week.

The celebration recognizes a quarter-century of empowering women and families through financial inclusion.

SPBD’s mission is to improve the quality of life of underprivileged families by providing them meaningful economic opportunities to help lift them permanently out of poverty.

SPBD is especially focused on empowering women to start, grow and maintain microbusinesses 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.

Since its establishment in Samoa in 2000, SPBD has provided women with access to credit, savings, business skills training, financial education and mentorship to build sustainable livelihoods.

Thousands of Samoan women have started and grown small businesses, improved their living standards, and created brighter futures for their children.

SPBD has expanded from its humble roots in Samoa to serve women in the five Pacific Island nations of Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Over the last 25 years, SPBD has provided more than 360,000 life- changing loans,” statement said.

This week’s celebration activities include:

• Field visits to meet with Members in Samoa to hear their stories and visit their business supported by SPBD on Thursday, 9 October.
• Grand Celebration Event on Friday, 10 October, featuring a parade through downtown Apia, keynote speeches, cultural performances, recognition of women entrepreneurs, and a showcase of SPBD’s impact over 25 years.

“For 25 years, SPBD has been dedicated to lifting families out of poverty by giving women the tools they need to succeed. We are honoured to celebrate this milestone here in Samoa, where our journey first began,” said Gregory F. Casagrande, Founder and President of SPBD.

SPBD warmly invites media representatives to attend and cover the events.

This celebration marks not only SPBD’s milestone but also a moment of pride for Samoa and the South Pacific, highlighting the transformational impact of microfinance.

Reposted from: https://talamua.com/?p=52576