The COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped Reijeli Ravulo from sustaining her small business because she believes she has an obligation to pay off her loan with South Pacific Business Development.
Ms Ravulo is a SPBD microfinance beneficiary and has reaped rewards of it in the past eight years.
“My grog business took a nosedive when COVID-19 hit last year and I have had to start selling vegetable and a few root crops,” Ms Ravulo said.
“I did not want to give up because microfinance has assisted me and my family financially and I believe I have to pay back my loan because they are always there for me when I need them.
“This road side business has been a great help as I am paying off my loan on time and I m also helping with whatever little thing we need at home.”
Ms Ravulo said being part of the Tomuka Centre SPBD women’s group has taught her a culture of saving and investing.
She said she suffered a lot in the past year because of the pandemic but had always found a way to bounce back and continued investing in her small business.
Outside her Tomuka, Lautoka home is a small table where she sells a few vegetables and root crops which would always enable her to pay her loan at the end of a week.
“I will continue selling because microfinance has provided for me during my dry days and this is why I will continue to be loyal to them.”
