Page 9 - SPBD Businesswoman of the Year Award 2023

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SPBD

SPBD FIJI BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR 2023 FINALISTS

Elena Lagia Naomi
(Tavuki Verenakaiwai
Centre, (Lakena

Taveuni) Centre, Suva)

With great Naomi operates a
determination, kava and handicraft
Elena began her business in Laqere
baking business market. The 68-year-
with her first SPBD old entrepreneur says
loan, selling cakes, SPBD has helped
buns, sausage her family of five in
rolls, and pies so many ways. With
to the people of Tavuki village. “I had no cash to start off my an initial loan of FJ$1,500, Naomi was able to start her kava
business but nevertheless, I continued to sell whatever I had business and has since expanded to sell handicrafts with
so that I could get some cash for my savings,” she said. Since a loan of FJ$7,000. “I believe in SPBD’s five commitment
joining SPBD, she has been able to launch other businesses, statement which states that we will lift the standard of living
including a small canteen and a bluetooth speaker hiring within our family with the money we earn from our business,”
service, providing convenience to her villagers. “I was also able she said.
to buy solar panels for my house when we had no electricity,”
she said. Her advice to women is “nothing is impossible when
you work hard”.

Maramadali Onisia
Koro Tunavunawa

(Naduruvou (Yasayasa
Centre, Suva) Centre,

Originally from Labasa)
Nakorotubu in the
province of Ra, Onisia is a market
Maramadali joined SPBD vendor selling essential
with the aim of improving items like coconut
her market stall business, oil, honey, and old
starting with a loan of newspapers at the
FJ$500. Her latest loan Labasa market. The
was FJ$11,000. “Every 68-year-old says
business activity I have done through SPBD has benefitted SPBD has enabled
my family, where I am able to achieve what I set my mind to,” her to upgrade her product list by selling kava. Onisia noted:
she said. Maramadali also runs a small retail shop in Verata, “Through SPBD’s assistance, I am able to pay our water bill,
selling basic food items like noodles, oil, rice, as well as fresh electricity bill, our ground rent, as well as buy groceries for my
produce like tomatoes and cabbage, making it convenient family and financially support my grandchildren’s education.”
for her customers. “Many people have told me that doing
business is tiresome, but if you have the passion and the will
to do it, then you can achieve it,” she said.