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SPBD

Suliana Naiubi (centre) receiving SPBD Fiji’s milestone loan disbursement.

SPBD FIJI CELEBRATES $100 MILLION

IN LOAN DISBURSEMENTS

South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji in May improve their families’ living conditions, and invest in the
celebrated a remarkable disbursement of $100 million in education of their children.
loans since its inception in Fiji in 2010.
“These women have not only uplifted their own households
With nearly 8,000 members, SPBD has grown into the largest but have also created ripples of positive change throughout
microfinance institution in the country. With ten branches their communities,” he added.
spread throughout Fiji, SPBD’s reach and impact have One such inspiring story is that of Suliana Naiubi from Bavu,
expanded beyond their expectations.
Sigatoka. Her journey from a home-based micro-entrepreneur
Noting the occasion, Founder and President of the SPBD to a diversified business owner proves as a beacon of hope
network, Greg Casagrande, said: “This achievement is a and motivation.
testament to the resilience and determination of the women The mother-of-five first joined SPBD Fiji five years ago.
microentrepreneurs we serve. Through the years, she has received three loan cycles, using
“We are incredibly proud of the impact we have made in their the funds to improve her canteen business, selling yaqona,
lives and communities. The $100 million milestone represents and farming livestock.
not just a figure, but the dreams, aspirations, and economic Suliana said most of her customers are from Nabou Pine
potential unleashed through microfinance,” said Casagrande.
Station, where her husband works. She said sometimes
This journey has not been without its challenges, said Elrico her family businesses encounter slow sales, however, “that
Munoz, Director and General Manager of SPBD Fiji. challenges us to run our business properly”.

“We have navigated poor infrastructure to reach the The recipient of SPBD Fiji’s milestone loan disbursement,
remotest villages, weathered natural disasters, and faced Suliana said: “This was achieved through working hard,
the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. dedication and persevering through all the challenges we
Yet, through it all, our commitment to empowering women faced.
economically has remained steadfast and unshakable,” “For those who are stay-at-home women, I encourage you to
Munoz noted. join SPBD. You will have something to do and keep yourself
He said the impact of these small loans has been profound, busy. It will be a source of great help to you and your family,
where “they have fuelled the entrepreneurial spirit of women especially your children,” she said.
across Fiji, enabling them to start and grow their businesses,

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