WESTPAC Fiji has announced it will provide an annual grant of $25,000 a year to female-led and female-owned businesses as part of its commitment to the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) Code.
Since it joined the We-Fi Code movement last year, the bank is the first signatory in Fiji to deliver on its commitment and introduce an all-encompassing educational and financial program for Women-led MSMEs (WMSMEs).
“The Westpac Fiji Female Founders Program offers WMSMEs with the essential tools, resources and financial support needed at every stage of their business journey through a comprehensive support package across four key areas: Grants, Loans, Education and Networking,” it said in a statement this week.
“Through the program, Westpac Fiji will provide $25,000 in grants annually to female-led and female-owned businesses, alongside tailored loan facilities designed to support the growth and sustainability of women entrepreneurs who have operated their businesses for over three years.
“Westpac’s business loans for women entrepreneurs are suitable for small business owners providing financial support to acquire essential business equipment, working capital for day-to-day expenses, funding for business expansion such as acquisitions and property developments, and also support business owners to restructure current debt with Westpac for better terms.
“With a choice of fixed or variable interest rates and competitive pricing, these loans empower women to manage repayments according to their business needs.”
Westpac Fiji chief executive officer Shane Smith said the bank’s ongoing efforts reflect a firm belief that when women thrive in business, communities prosper.
“We remain committed not only to supporting women through financial literacy and education but to providing practical, accessible tools for business success,” he said.
Through its financial literacy training, the bank said it has empowered more than 50,000 individuals nationwide.
In 2010, it launched its Women and Girls Education Grants.
“Now in its 15th year, the program has supported more than 400 females with financial aid, investing more than $300,000 in their educational endeavours, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to developing opportunities for women across Fiji.”
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Note: This article was first published under the headline: $25k yearly grant for women-owned businesses in Page 22 of the print version of The Fiji Times dated Saturday, September 27, 2025
