Fifty-six women entrepreneurs from across the country have graduated their training with the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD).
The program was supported by the Financial Management Counsellors Alliance (FMCA) and Vision Investments Ltd.
The graduation ceremony officiated by the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Esala Masitabua, was held June 30, 2023, at the SPBD head office in Suva with a secondary venue for those in the Northern Division.
National co-ordinator for the FMCA Lagi Fisher commended the women for their exceptional determination, resilience, thirst for knowledge and unwavering commitment to self-improvement, adding that they serve as an example for all aspiring entrepreneurs.
“It is with great pleasure and immense pride that I stand before you today to mark a significant milestone in the lives of 56 remarkable women who have successfully completed the SME preparation workshop, along with pre- and post-training coaching,” he said.
Vision Investments head of business development Anil Senewiratne said, “as micro entrepreneurs, you represent the heart and soul of the business world”.
“You have turned your dreams into reality, creating opportunities not only for yourselves, but also for others in your family and communities. The journey you have undertaken has been filled with countless challenges, but you have faced them head-on, never losing sight of your goals,” he added.
SPBD Fiji Director Lorraine Seeto also congratulated the SPBD members for graduating to another level in their business journey.
“As the national budget was also announced on the same day, it was pleasing to note that there will be opportunities for the SME sector to contribute further to Fiji’s economic growth,” she said.
SPBD is empowering thousands of people in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and the Solomon Islands.
