SPBD Microfinance has officially launched the SPBD Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2026, celebrating the achievements of women entrepreneurs while highlighting a major milestone of more than $150 million in loans disbursed to women throughout Fiji since the organisation began operations.
While speaking at the launch at SPBD's head office in Suva, Managing Director Lorraine Seeto highlighted that the awards celebrate far more than business success, recognising women who have overcome challenges through hard work, perseverance and determination to create better futures for their families and communities.
Seeto says this year's theme, "Empowering Women, Strengthening Teams, Shaping Sustainable Futures," reflects SPBD's vision of improving the quality of life of families, its mission of providing financial services to underserved women, and its core values of respect, integrity, excellence and teamwork.
She says empowered women build empowered families, empowered families build stronger communities, and stronger communities build a stronger Fiji.
She emphasises that the milestone of disbursing more than $150 million in loans to women throughout Fiji since the organisation began operations two decades ago represents much more than a financial achievement.
INSERT: Seeto on milestone 3rd July
Seeto says every loan tells a story, every repayment reflects responsibility and trust, and every successful businesswoman becomes an inspiration to another woman beginning her own journey.
She also acknowledged that success is built through teamwork, saying every successful member is supported by dedicated Centre Chiefs, Centre Managers, branch staff, management, the Board, and their families.
The Managing Director congratulated all Grade A Centres that have qualified for this year's awards, saying their achievement reflects excellence, discipline, resilience, and commitment to SPBD's values.
She also thanked the judging panel for ensuring a fair and transparent selection process and encouraged finalists to confidently share their personal stories, challenges, and achievements during judging.
She says the finalists are living proof that when women are given opportunities and trusted with financial support, they create lasting change not only for themselves but for future generations.
The winners will be announced at the SPBD Businesswoman of the Year Awards Night on 30th October, where outstanding women entrepreneurs from throughout Fiji will be recognised for their leadership, business success, and contribution to their communities.
