At just 31, Rabino Taratai of Rabi Island has been named the 2026 Businesswoman of the Year, recognising her determination and 10 years of building a business that supports her family and serves communities.
Based in Savusavu, Taratai received the award at the 16th SPBD Foundation Day and Businesswoman of the Year Awards.
What started as a small business in 2016 has grown into a diverse operation that includes a shop, three trucks, two taxis and two fibre-glass boats.
She first joined the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) programme in 2019 and says its support has helped her grow her business and become more financially independent.
Her trucks provide transport for passengers and schoolchildren, while her taxis offer hire and rental services.
Her two fibre-glass boats transport passengers between Rabi Island and Karoko, as well as goods, fuel and other essential supplies.
Earlier this year, she expanded her operations to Samsawo, where her truck provides transport services to Karoko. She is also planning further expansion in Samsawo and Nausori.
Behind her business journey is the support of her husband, Dacos Menipin, and their three children.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Taratai says her husband has been instrumental in helping her navigate the challenges of running a business, particularly by sharing ideas and helping find solutions.
She acknowledges that starting small is not easy and requires hard work, patience and teamwork.
Having experienced the challenges of building a business herself, she encourages other women not to be afraid to start small, saying growth comes with experience, learning and determination.
Taratai says SPBD has helped women become more financially independent and better equipped to support their families and contribute to their communities.
She is grateful for the opportunities the programme has provided, saying it has helped strengthen families, develop communities and create opportunities for women.
