Page 6 - SPBD Fiji 2025 Q2 Book

SPBD

SPBD FIJI LAUNCHES 15TH BUSINESSWOMAN

OF THE YEAR AWARDS

South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji officially
launched the 15th SPBD Businesswoman of the Year Awards and
Foundation Day Media Event at its headquarters on McGregor
Road, Suva on 11 April 2025.
This year’s launch continues a 14-year legacy of recognising
the outstanding achievements of women microentrepreneurs
across Fiji.
Themed “Women Microentrepreneurs Making Macro-Impact,”
the 2024 Awards aim to reaffirm the vital role that women-
led businesses play in the country’s social and economic
development.
“The Businesswoman of the Year Awards is more than a
ceremony; it is a celebration of courage, creativity, and the
commitment of women who are changing lives, one business at
a time,” said Elrico Munoz, SPBD Fiji General Manager/Director,
during the media launch.
“This July, SPBD Fiji is expected to reach another significant
milestone – a cumulative loan disbursement of FJ$125 million,”
he added. General Manager/Director Elrico Munoz and SPBD Fiji Director Lorraine Seeto with 2023
Businesswoman of the Year winner Elena Tinai and Centre of the Year winner – Waimanu Centre
According to SPBD, women-owned microenterprises currently representative.
contribute 18% of Fiji’s GDP and provide employment for 36% of
the national workforce.
The 2024 Awards program features nine categories, divided
between individual honors and centre-level recognition. These
include: SPBD Businesswoman of the Year, SME Businesswoman
of the Year, Centre Chief of the Year, Centre Secretary of the Year,
Financial Education Facilitator of the Year, Individual Saver of
the Year. Three Centre awards: Centre of the Year, Centre Saver
of the Year and New Centre of the Year.
Each award celebrates women who have not only grown
sustainable businesses but have also demonstrated leadership
in financial literacy, savings, and community development.
Lorraine Seeto, Chair of the Awards Panel of Judges, encouraged
women across SPBD Fiji’s network to participate.
“This is your moment to shine, to stand tall and to declare Centre Chiefs of 2024 Qualified A Grade Centres at the Launch of the Awards.
that you are a force of transformation. By participating, you
contribute to a legacy of empowerment and demonstrate what
it means to turn vision into action,” said Seeto.
“The women we honour today have shown us that success is not
just about financial gains but also about creating a ripple effect
of positive change – uplifting families, inspiring communities,
and building a better future for the next generation,” Seeto said.
The media launch also introduced the nomination process
and timeline, encouraging Centres and individuals to begin
submitting their applications. Winners will be announced at the
official SPBD Fiji Businesswoman of the Year Awards Ceremony
on 3 October 2025.
Since its inception, the SPBD Fiji Awards program has highlighted
the profound impact of microfinance on women and their
communities. The 15th anniversary not only commemorates
past achievements but also sets the tone for the future of Panel of judges join SPBD Fiji’s General Manager/Director, Elrico Munoz, and 2023
women’s economic participation in Fiji. Businesswoman and Centre Award winners for a cake-cutting ceremony, marking the Launch of
the 2024 Businesswoman Awards.
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