Ateca Sarasau wears many hats.

She is a baker, a florist, and a part time clothes designer with screen printing experience.

At the end of the next seven months, the Lomati villager of the district of Nabukelevu, Kadavu, expects to have honed her appreciation of business acumen.

Ms Sarasau is one of 170 women to have signed up for the 2022 entrepreneurial programme with the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs.

“In the next five years, I will be a big name, recognised and respected,” she said.

“By then, I would have increased my network with other women in the programme, who are also hoping to enhance their business know- how.”

The woman whose village is the backyard to Fiji’s third highest peak, Mount Washington, says her future prospects are heightened by the opportunities the course will provide.

“I run my baking business from home, but I aim to run it as a shop – with more commercial operations – in time,” Ms Sarau said.

“I am looking forward to that point of difference with my product; and this programme will help that.”

In its third consecutive year, the programme – facilitated by Women Entrepreneurs Business Council in partnership with the Embassy of the United States of America – has inculcated participants from Vanua Levu.

A Different Approach

This year’s programme was expected to be more diverse, said Women Entrepreneurs Business Council head, Eseta Nadakuitavuki, said.

“We hope to spice things up,” she said yesterday.

“We will have more hands-on networking events, rather than a theory session.”

“More prominent guest speakers are also expected to feature at this year’s programme – that will include successful businesswomen, who can talk about their journey.”

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