Page 48 - Islands Business May 2023

SPBD SPBD

Khan says the women entrepreneurs were reminded of the
importance of bookkeeping. “It is very essential because it
will help them to assess their cash flow. It would also give
them an indication on how they can reduce their expenses.
For any small business, they need to reduce their expenses
and maximise profit,” he said.
Knowing their product cost was an eye-opener for some of
the participants as well, he says.
“When they know their product cost, then they can set a
price. And once they do that, then they can make profit,”
Khan emphasised.
Emele Sorowale of SPBD Nauluvatu Centre, agrees, saying:
“We would find it hard to price our items. But through this
training, we are now equipped to do it accurately, taking into
account the cost of materials and the overhead cost,” she
said.
Sorowale joined SPBD in 2016 and runs a successful
handicraft business selling sasa brooms, woven mats and
tabua (whale’s tooth) which she delivers to customers every
Friday. “My business is going well, yet from what I learnt
today, I am convinced to save more and spend less of my Emele Sorowale
earnings,” she said.
Reapi Tabuaniviti of SPBD Raralevu Centre 2, reiterated: help their fellow members grow and develop their businesses,
“From what I learnt at this workshop, I will encourage my and this training has equipped them to do so effectively,” he
centre members that joining SPBD is not just about paying off said.
your loans. We need to know our costs and save more,” she Munoz said the knowledge and skills that FEFs have
said. acquired through the training will have a multiplier effect as
Tabuaniviti operates a small kava business. “I sell a bag for they return to their respective centres and share what they
around $2-$5 and I make good profit. I don’t give interest or have learned.
discounts. I only allow people that I know to buy my grog on “I am confident that the knowledge and skills you have
credit, especially those that have jobs,” she revealed. acquired will enable you to create positive change in your
The Raralevu Centre 2 entrepreneur says she plans to sell communities, and I look forward to seeing the impact of your
other products as well. “Another project I’m working on is my work in the months and years to come,” he added.
nursery where I will sell kumquat and baigani,” she said. SPBD is expected to organise similar workshops in the
FRCS Principal Assessor Shaheen Hussain also highlighted Northern and Western Divisions this year.
the importance of filing tax returns. “We have identified that The FEFs are also responsible for collating the information
Reapi Tabuaniviti - SPBD Raralevu Centre
some of them have missing returns. Tax compliance forms can required for business registration from their members.
only be issued if their returns are updated with
us,” she said.
“We understand that most of them are doing
small businesses in fish farming, weaving, or
running a canteen. So, this kind of knowledge
will make them confident and be in a position to
negotiate with us and others,” she added.
Hussain encourages women entrepreneurs to
seek FRCS’ help when necessary. “FRCS can give
them training on basic tax, income tax, and how
to make a profit and loss statement,” she said.
SPBD’s General Manager, Elrico Munoz, officiated
the closing ceremony and expressed his sincere
gratitude to MTCSMEC for organising an excellent
training program for SPBD members.
“This training is indeed valuable, as it provides
FEFs with the necessary tools and knowledge
to help their co-members in improving and
formalising their different business ventures.
“The FEFs have a significant responsibility to Reapi Tabuaniviti (R) delivering her group’s presentation at the workshop.

48 Islands Business, May 2023
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