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SPBD

Members from Sigatoka, Lautoka and Rakiraki with their trainer and coaches Mr. Fisher (right) with members from Suva and Levuka

SPBD FIJI BLOOM

SPBD Fiji Bloom is an initiative of SPBD Microfinance
(Fiji) Pte Limted which has an active membership of
Members from Suva and Levuka A group presentation from Suva and Levuka over 7000 women entrepreneurs. The initiative aims
during a group discussion members to pave a new pathway to help informal women-led
microenterprises (MEs) grow and transition into thriving,
• Basic English was used for clarity and translated to formalised small medium enterprises (SMEs).
i-taukei where necessary
• Group work and idea sharing and presentations were The SPBD Fiji Bloom programme provides capacity
used to enhance members’ understanding building events that are carefully tailored to the
• Pre-training interviews were conducted to collate unique needs of women-led Micro SMEs. The three core
data for business planning, diagnostic and personal programmes include a formal business formalisation
diagnostic tools service, an SME preparation programme and Fiji’s first
A total of 56 members attended the workshop (Suva – 24 ever accelerator programme for women entrepreneurs.
members, Savusavu - 17, Lautoka – 15). These members will Business Formalisation is intended to assist the members
now be eligible to join the SPBD Fiji Bloom programme. to become part of the formal economy by registering
Mr. Fisher was pleased with the outcome of the workshops. their businesses with the Register of Companies and
He said, “Despite being from different centres and zones, the Fiji Revenue & Customs Service, as well as obtaining
participants were fully engaged and enthusiastic. Members the necessary business license. Business Development
participated and contributed openly and freely shared their
views and experiences”. The post-training sessions will Services is when the micro-entrepreneurs are linked
provide an excellent opportunity for the members to further to existing reputable business development services
refine their learning and implement practical and actionable providers and SME Preparation Workshops, to help them
business plans. Mr. Fisher is of the opinion that “the members prepare strategies for their growth.
are now better prepared and well positioned to work and To carry out this bold initiative, SPBD Fiji Bloom is
thrive in the SME domain”. creating strategic partnerships with aligned parties
These workshops have also provided networking and designing programmes to be financially sustainable
opportunities and fostered a supportive community of women for long-term sustainability. SPBD Fiji Bloom will bring
entrepreneurs in the SPBD Family. Mr. Fisher hopes that the together local non-profit shareholders and agencies that
training “will inspire and empower women entrepreneurs to are all committed to serving and supporting women-led
pursue their dreams and contribute to the economic growth MSMEs across Fiji.
of Fiji”.
Feedback from the members was encouraging. Some of the SPBD Fiji Bloom can be contacted using the following
comments extracted from the feedback forms were:- details:-
“trainer is very informative and helpful”
“learnt a lot and appreciated the training” Telephone/Mobile: 331 1169/997 6354
“learnt how to upgrade my business” Email: fijibloom2022@gmail.com
“will now market my product through social media” Facebook: Fiji Bloom Business Hub
“I now need to record everything”
“conduct more training”

Islands Business, April 2023 47
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