Page 18 - SPBD Businesswoman of the Year Award 2023

SPBD

SPBD FIJI OPENS NEW HEADQUARTERS

South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji officially organisation’s journey and
opened its new headquarters on January 17, 2025, marking a its continued commitment to
significant milestone in the organisation’s 14-year journey of developing the microenterprise
empowering women entrepreneurs in Fiji. sector in Fiji.
SPBD Fiji’s new home is at 14-18 McGregor Road in Suva. He noted that SPBD Fiji’s
mission has always been
The opening ceremony was attended by important centred around empowering
stakeholders, including Honorable Manoa Kamikamica, the women and fostering
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for MSME, Cooperatives, economic growth. “SPBD Fiji
and Communication. Honorable Manoa Kamikamica, the has always been an active
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
In his address, Honorable Kamikamica highlighted the MSME, Cooperatives, and Communication advocate for the development
government’s commitment to supporting micro, small, and of the microenterprise sector
medium enterprises (MSMEs), which play a vital role in Fiji’s in Fiji. We have provided financial education, financial
economy. services, and business development support. Our mission to
“This moment is … a signal of progress, collaboration, and a empower women and foster economic growth is the heart of
shared vision of financial security for all Fijians, particularly everything we do,” he stated.
those who have long been underserved by traditional banking Munoz said the upcoming anniversary is a significant
institutions,” said Honorable Kamikamica. milestone, symbolising not just years of service but also the

He highlighted the importance of SPBD’s work in providing resilience and progress made by communities across Fiji.
microloans and business training for women entrepreneurs, “As we approach our 15th anniversary this coming October, we
reinforcing the government’s vision of financial reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us here.”
empowerment and inclusive economic growth.
Munoz expressed optimism about the future and the ongoing
He adds the government has allocated close to FJ$150 million work to strengthen the microenterprise sector. “We look
in the current financial year to support MSMEs and empower forward to continuing our collaboration and working together
aspiring entrepreneurs. to further develop this vital sector,” he said.

As SPBD Fiji looks ahead to its 15th anniversary this Business at the premises officially commenced on January 20,
October, General Manager Elrico Munoz reflected on the 2025.

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