SPBD marks milestone after $100m loan disbursement

The South Pacific Business Development Fiji today celebrated a huge milestone for their organisation as they marked their $100 million loan disbursement.

SPBD Bavu Vou Centre Chief Suliana Naiubi was the milestone recipient today after being handed an $11,000 loan that brought the total loan disbursement to $100 million.

While accepting the loan today, Naiubi acknowledged the help and guidance that SPBD has been doing over the years for women entrepreneurs in Fiji and helping them develop.

Naiubi says over the past 5 years, the Bavu Vou Centre has flourished through the help of SPBD and they are now expanding in numbers in terms of membership.

She says through the Bavu Vou women’s determination and entrepreneurship spirit, they have not only improved their own lives but have also impacted the lives of their families, communities and the economy as a whole.

General Manager and Director SPBD Fiji Elrico Munoz says the $100 million disbursement is a testament to 13 years of unwavering dedication and resilience in providing inclusive financial services to the remarkable women of Fiji.

Munoz says the impact of these small loans has been profound and they have fueled the entrepreneurial spirit of women across Fiji, enabling them to start and grow their businesses, improve their families' living conditions, and invest in the education of their children.

He says Naiubi’s story is an inspiring one as she embodies the spirit of resilience and entrepreneurship that SPBD Fiji strives to nurture.

He adds that Naiubi’s journey from a home-based micro-entrepreneur to a diversified business owner is a beacon of hope and motivation for us all and her success story is one among thousands, each one a testament to the transformative power of financial inclusion.

While delivering the vote of thanks, SPBD’s Board Director Lorraine Seeto says it is very encouraging and pleasing to be part of this milestone achievement and more importantly to witness and experience it.

Seeto says the women in Fiji are resilient, innovative and impactful in their families and communities and the SPBD members are a testament to this.

She says they started from small and humble beginnings to materialising their dreams and becoming entrepreneurs.