SPBD launches awards recognising women in business

South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Microfinance Fiji has launched its 16th Businesswoman of the Year Awards, with nominations now open to recognise women entrepreneurs making a difference in their communities.

The awards were launched today at SPBD's headquarters on McGregor Road in Suva.

Managing Director Lorraine Seeto said the awards had demonstrated the impact of providing women with access to finance, training and business support.

She said many women had transformed their lives, supported their families and contributed to their communities through small businesses.

This year's theme is Empowering Women, Strengthening Teams, Shaping Sustainable Futures.

Nine award categories will recognise achievements in entrepreneurship, leadership, financial management, savings discipline and community development.

Ms Seeto said Grade A SPBD centres across Fiji had been invited to nominate members who demonstrated the organisation's values of respect, integrity, excellence and teamwork.

She said since opening in Fiji in 2010, SPBD had disbursed more than $150 million in loans, helping thousands of women start and expand businesses.

Ms Seeto encouraged nominees to share their business journeys and the challenges they had overcome during the judging process.

Last year's Businesswoman of the Year, Emili Uluimalolo, said the award had inspired her to continue growing her flower business.

Mrs Uluimalolo said she had operated the business for more than 15 years, supplying flowers to major resorts, including Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, Shangri-La Yanuca Island and InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa.

She also works with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Women to train women in flower arranging and small business development.

Mrs Uluimalolo said SPBD had helped many women in her village and surrounding communities establish businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Participants Lavenia Senimaqo, 60, and Ilisapeci Tamani, 45, said SPBD had helped them grow their businesses and improve their families' livelihoods through access to finance, training and business support.

Ms Senimaqo, of the Tacirua Centre, said she operates several income-generating ventures, including a barbecue stall, catering service, garland-making for overseas orders, online sales of wreaths through social media, and food packaging.

She said SPBD had enabled her to expand her businesses and encouraged other women to join the programme.

"We can all start small, but with the right support we can grow our businesses and provide a better future for our families," she said.

Ms Tamani, of the Davuilevu Centre in Nine Miles, said many women in her centre operated small businesses, including market vendors, canteen operators and fish vendors.

She said SPBD's training, financial support and business guidance had helped members increase their incomes and become more financially independent.

Ms Tamani encouraged more women to take advantage of the opportunities offered by SPBD, saying the programme had empowered women to build sustainable businesses while supporting their families.

The 2026 SPBD Businesswoman of the Year Awards will conclude with a gala later this year, where winners in the nine categories will be announced.