BSP Financial Group (Fiji) Pte Ltd (BSP) and Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) have launched the third year of their Fiji THRIVE Program.
The initiative is aimed at empowering Fiji’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
BSP country head Haroon Ali acknowledged their partnership with ABV and emphasised the program’s significance.
“We are delighted to continue this program with ABV as our partner, bringing the highest quality of expertise to this program,” Mr Ali said.
“Their skilled business professionals (SBP) offer invaluable hands-on coaching and mentoring.
“This next cohort will include Lachlan Duncan, who brings extensive experience in strategy and leadership and Catherine Corderoy who will provide expert insights into accounting and business management.”
“Together with ABV, we are proud to help local business thrive in line with our vision to champion prosperity for the South Pacific.”
This year’s program began this week in the Central Division with 25 new MSME participants coming on board for tailored workshops, expert coaching and holistic mentoring support designed to foster sustainable business growth.
ABV chief executive officer Liz Mackinlay highlighted the program’s broader impact.
“Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) is proud to be partnering with Bank South Pacific on Fiji THRIVE to support MSME resilience building through practical, long-term business training, coaching and mentoring,” Ms Mackinlay said.
“We are continually impressed by the calibre of participants in the program, especially the growing number of women-led businesses.
“Their dedication and innovation are helping to build a strong foundation for Fiji’s economic future.”
Since its inception, Fiji THRIVE — an acronym for “Together, helping [to build a] Resilient, Inclusive [and] Vibrant Economy”—has enhanced BSP’s commitment to local business development and financial inclusion in Fiji.
The program includes:
- Three-day workshops tailored to meet participants’ needs;
- One-on-one coaching sessions with ABV’s SBPs, participants will get help developing actionable 60-day business plans; and
- Networking opportunities to connect MSMEs with industry experts, peers and potential partners.
A total of 92 local businesses operating in the Northern, Central and Western divisions have gone through the Fiji THRIVE Program since it was launched in March 2023.
Of these, 66 per cent were women-led, according to BSP.
NOTE: This article was first published in the print edition of the Fiji Times dated MARCH 29, 2025.
