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SPBD

Founder and CEO of SPBD Microfinance Network, Greg Casagrande.

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

The late Walt Disney, one of the world’s great entrepreneurs home villages. Each week across the Pacific, we hold nearly
once said: “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin 2,000 village-based meetings. This is where the ongoing
doing.” guidance and motivation happens. Once our women members
have their businesses up and successfully going, we will also
This statement rings true for the operations of South Pacific provide financing for basic housing improvements and for
Business Development in Fiji as the company opened its childhood education,” he added.
latest branch in Nausori in June.
Casagrande encouraged SPBD Fiji members to envision their
Speaking at the launching event, Greg Casagrande, the dreams and work towards them.
Founder and CEO of the SPBD network reflected on Disney’s
proverb, saying: “What I love about SPBD is that this “If your dream is to grow your income by building an enduring
organisation does much more than talk.” business, or if your dream is to improve your home and your
living conditions, or if your dream is to see your children
Casagrande said across the broader SPBD network, graduate with a university education, please know that none
the company has connected with over 115,000 women of these dreams are beyond your hopes and that they are all
microentrepreneurs, providing them with over 300,000 achievable,” he said.
unsecured loans totalling over $600 million.
Casagrande also quoted the advice of Dave Thomas, the
“SPBD is all about providing meaningful economic founder of Wendy’s, one of the world’s largest fast food
opportunities to thousands of hardworking and aspiring restaurant chains.
women microentrepreneurs across Fiji and the Pacific,” he
said. “What do you need to start a business? Thomas said there
are three simple things - know your product, know your
“We provide these aspiring microentrepreneurs with small customer, and have a burning desire to succeed. I know that
business training, unsecured credit and ongoing guidance each of you can do that,” said Casagrande.
and motivation to help them start and grow small income-
generating businesses. “We will all go through difficult times. I want to encourage
you. Hang in there, use your mind, use your creativity, you can
“All of our interactions with our members happen in their always find a pathway forward.”

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