WESTPAC Fiji has officially launched its Westpac Fiji Female Founders Program which will see it become the first commercial bank in the country to launch financing products dedicated specifically to its commitment to the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code (We-Fi code).
Westpac Fiji, along with the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Fiji Development Bank, Government Ministries, South Pacific Business Development and South Pacific Stock Exchange, became Fiji’s pioneer signatories to the We-Fi code in August last year.
The We-Fi code is an agreement by financial service providers, regulators, development banks and other financial institutions to increase funding for female businesses around the world in order to grow and add value to local communities.
Under the Westpac Fiji Female Founders Program, the bank will provide women-led businesses financial aid, education, mentoring and networking tailored to women entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey.
At the launch, Westpac Fiji chief executive officer Shane Smith said it was a privilege to be the first commercial bank in Fiji to launch the Female Founders Program.
“By signing the We-Fi code, we’ve committed to more than just a global standard, we’ve committed to local action, we’re proud to be among the first in the Pacific to take this bold step,” Mr Smith said.
“This program is not just about access to finance, it’s about creating pathways for women to lead, innovate and grow their business with confidence.”
Westpac Pacific managing director Emma Low said the program is a tangible and transformative step in empowering women entrepreneurs in Fiji.
“This initiative stems directly from our commitment made in 2024, where Westpac Fiji signed the We-Fi code, so we are proud to officially launch Westpac Fiji Female Founders Program,” Ms Low said.
The program is expected to start, grow and scale female businesses by addressing key challenges such as access to finance, business skills development to promote gender equality and economic empowerment in Fiji.
Applications for the program will be made available next month offering targeted support to female businesses depending on the stage of the business lifecycle; from seed stage (Idea Development) directly to established stage (more than four years in operation).
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated July 3, 2025
