5 December, 2025, 7:51 pm Central - 25°C Clouds

Westpac launches Fiji Female Founders Program to support women-led businesses

Westpac launches Fiji Female Founders Program to support women-led businesses

By Mansi Chand
02/07/2025

Women-led businesses in Fiji are set to receive a significant boost as Westpac Fiji launches its Female Founders Program, designed to empower women entrepreneurs and increase their participation in business.

This follows the signing of the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code (We-Finance Code) agreement in October last year — an initiative aimed at increasing financing and support for women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (WMSMEs).

Westpac Fiji Chief Executive, Shane Smith says they are the first to launch and take the bold step following the agreement.

He says the initiative is to drive economic growth, create jobs and promote gender equality by creating a pathway for women to lead, innovate and grow their business with confidence.

Smith adds that women can balance everything and this program is not just about access to finance but about living their dreams.

Meanwhile, Westpac Pacific Managing Director, Emma Low says this program will support female founders in Fiji to start, grow and scale their businesses by addressing key challenges such as access to finance, business skills development and networking opportunities.

She is encouraging women to take full advantage of the opportunities the program offers.

The program offers targeted support tailored to each stage of the business life cycle.

The application opens on October 1st and closes on August 1st.

@fijivillage.com Westpac launches Fiji Female Founders Program to support women-led businesses #fiji #fyp ♬ original sound - fijivillage
FEATURE NEWS
Attorney General must work closely with the GCC on reform of native land laws - President
The principle of free, prior, informed consent or the requirement for effective consultations is crucial to the reform of our laws on native land and ...
3 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Deaf respondents were among the most affected by online abuse during COVID-19 survey
Findings from the Fiji Disabled People’s Federation and the Disability Rights Fund survey show that during COVID-19, 24 percent of respondents ...
2 hours ago

$140,000 renovation project of Empower Pacific Counselling Centre aims to provide improved services
A $140,000 renovation project, funded through a donation by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has seen the soft-launch of the Empower ...
2 hours ago

People's Fiji and Next Gen Alliance Party applications released for public objection
The Fijian Elections Office has confirmed the publication of applications from two proposed political parties. Speaking to the media, Supervisor ...
2 hours ago

Tourism Fiji strengthens its engagement with operators in Vanua Levu and Taveuni
A platform for open discussion on opportunities, constraints, and pathways to improve tourism outcomes in Vanua Levu and Taveuni was the main focus ...
4 hours ago

Vou makes history as first Fijians to headline major NZ Arts Festival
A proud moment for Fiji’s creative industry is on the horizon, as Vou Dance Company prepares to make history on two of New Zealand’s major arts ...
5 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji Law Society Convention 2025
There is a constant struggle that we seem to have in Fiji with upholding and respecting the rule of law, and in my view, I think it starts at the ...
10 hours ago

Tribunal case of suspended Commissioner of Corrections Dr Nakarawa
Tribunal proceedings for suspended Corrections Commissioner Dr Nakarawa are underway, focusing on allegations of misbehaviour during his tenure as ...
10 hours ago

Inspire Pacific Founder Ben Morrison and Peer Mentor Tikiko Tavualevu on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Pastor Ben Morrison and Tikiko Tavualevu on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan as they discuss Inspire Pacific’s specialised ...
1 day ago

TOP