Westpac Fiji will host its first Female Founders Market Day for 2026 this weekend as part of its Female Founders Program.
The event is designed to provide female vendors with a platform to market their goods, and also offer budding female entrepreneurs more exposure and a chance to network.
The new initiative under the bank’s Female Founders Program will directly support women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by strengthening networking opportunities, increasing market exposure and connecting participating vendors to the program’s broader support pathway.
Westpac Fiji chief executive officer Shane Smith said the event builds on the bank’s broader efforts to support women succeed across Fiji, whether it be academic or in business as entrepreneurs.
“At Westpac, we know too well the crucial economic role women play in our communities,” Mr Smith said in a statement.
“Creating spaces such as this market allows women to showcase their talents and flair and potentially grow their business and customer base too.”
He said the event was also a reflection of their strong commitment as signatory of the 2024 We-Fi Code – an agreement that sought to increase access to funding and support for women led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Fiji.
Westpac Fiji manager Community & Engagement Keni Baro said: “The Women’s Market Day is another great way that we can extend our support for women-led enterprises so, we encourage the general public to come out and truly appreciate these artisan’s craft and help to positively contribute to their growth and success.”
The Westpac Women’s Market Day will begin at 9am on Saturday, April 11 at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Laucala Campus car park in Suva.
Members of the public can expect a wide variety of goods to be on display – from creative hand-crafted ornaments, pandanus-woven mats, an assortment of delicious homemade food and clothing to name a few, along with entertainment on site.
