The Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC) received a timely assistance of $40,000 in grant from the British High Commission.

Under the umbrella of the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF), WEBC chair Eseta Nadakuitavuki and British High Commission Deputy High Commissioner Paul Welsh officiated at the grant signing in Suva yesterday along with the Pacific conflict stability and security fund programme manager Amitesh Prasad and FCEF president Vinay Narsey.

Mrs Nadakutavuki said: “Today marks another milestone for the women entrepreneurs and women that is associated to the women entrepreneurs’ business council.”

“We are grateful to the British High Commission for this partnership that has come at the right time when we are transiting through COVID to road of recovery.”

“Women entrepreneurs have gone through a lot during the pandemic where they have closed shop, pivot and diversify their business to survive.”

“The fund received from the British High Commission will definitely assist and support these women to learn more in these areas.”

“As we ventured into this journey of learning and women economic empowerment, we are also to the journey of fulfilling our vision of Women Entrepreneurs Invigorating the Nation and leaving no one behind,” she said.

A few capacity building programmes that will be provided to women are:
– Toastmaster training to build their confidence in marketing their business.
– Social media marketing training –

Basic and Intermediate
– Value Chain – understanding international trade terms and conditions
– Interpreting Financial Reports for decision making
– Business mentoring sessions

Ms Nadakuitavuki highlighted that they needed to adhere to the requirements and ensure that they monitor the progress of the training from the recipients to see their progress and how else they can assist and support them with.

“We have already started with our activities, the first being a information / networking session in Nadi three weeks ago, six week toastmaster training has started and others will follow,” she said.

Mr Welsh highlighted the WEBC project was worthy of support.

“It makes a number of our priorities as a Government in Fiji, we like to support gender equality, and that includes women’s economic empowerment and we’d like to help with COVID economic recovery.”

“So this was one that seemed to fit a number of our priorities.”

“I’ve also seen enough of the work of where WEBC, and of the Fiji Commerce and Employees Federation to know that they’re really trustworthy and very excellent organisation.”

“I wanted to work with them so we were able to give them this grant of $40,000,” Mr Welsh said.

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj