Page 8 - SPBD Businesswoman of the Year Award 2023

SPBD

SPBD FIJI BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR 2023

The SPBD Fiji Businesswoman of the Year award acknowledges the most

successful business practices undertaken by an SPBD Fiji member.

Congratulations to SPBD Fiji Businesswoman of the Year “I always tell myself that success isn’t about being lazy or
2023, Elena Tinai (Saru Centre, Lautoka)! giving up. You have to keep going, no matter how hard it gets,”
Elena runs a successful fishing and kava business in Saru, she said.
Lautoka, thanks to the continued support of South Pacific “I thank SPBD for all the valuable lessons. We are so fortunate
Business Development. that despite the hardships we go through, we are still able to
The 44-year-old first joined SPBD in 2013. receive financial support from them.
Over the years, her loan amounts increased, from an “I continuously encourage the women of Saru village that
initial FJ$700 to FJ$5,000 and then to FJ$7,000 this year, SPBD is a great organisation where we are able to earn a living
showcasing her dedication and commitment in growing her from the comfort of our homes.
small-scale business. “SPBD believes in you and they can offer you something that
Elena ’s weekly routine involves sourcing her kava products banks can’t. You need to believe in yourself and reinvest that
from Rakiraki, as well as fishing at night and selling her fresh support to grow.”
catch at the Lautoka Wharf to support her family. In the near future, Elena plans on purchasing a boat that
Elena says one important lesson she has learnt throughout would allow her to increase her fish production and make her
her entrepreneurial journey is that “you must have integrity”. business more sustainable.

Sponsored by Courts Fiji Limited

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