Fiji Development Bank calls for entries for 2025 National SME Awards

The Fiji Development Bank (FDB) has announced the return of its flagship National SME (NSME) Awards, an annual event aimed at recognising and celebrating the resilience, innovation and determination of small and medium enterprises across the country.

Held each year, the NSME Awards honour SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) operators who continue to thrive despite challenging economic conditions, contributing significantly to national development and job creation.

Over the years, the awards have become FDB’s largest and most impactful media and marketing initiative, generating strong engagement and new business opportunities for the Bank.

A key feature of the NSME Awards is the officiation by His Excellency the President of Fiji as Chief Guest, reinforcing the event’s neutrality, inclusiveness and national significance.

According to FDB, the awards align with its vision of promoting inclusive and sustainable growth within the SME sector by recognising innovative and successful enterprises that serve as inspiration for both emerging and established entrepreneurs.

For the 2025 awards, entries are invited across several categories, including Best Agri-Business of the Year, Best Maritime SME of the Year, Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, Youth Entrepreneur of the Year, Best Businessperson of the Year, Best Cooperative SME of the Year, Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Sustainable SME of the Year, and the overall National SME of the Year Award.

Winners of the NSME Awards will benefit from increased visibility, enhanced business credibility, valuable networking opportunities and attractive prize money.

The deadline for submission of entries is 4pm on May 31, 2026.

FDB has assured applicants that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality and used solely for the purpose of assessing applications for the National SME Awards.