House of Salt was crowned the 2025 National SME of the Year, while Krisneel Deo of Delaivuna Farm Fresh Eggs won the Best Maritime SME of the Year award at the Fiji Development Bank National SME Awards in Suva.
Held under the theme "Ignite, Innovate and Inspire," the awards celebrated the resilience, innovation and achievements of Fiji's small and medium enterprises, with 145 businesses submitting more than 300 entries across eight award categories.
House of Salt also received the Sustainable SME of the Year award, recognising its environmentally and socially responsible business practices, while the prestigious National SME of the Year title acknowledged the company's outstanding business performance, innovation, leadership and growth potential.
Krisneel Deo of Delaivuna Farm Fresh Eggs was recognised as the Best Maritime SME of the Year for demonstrating business excellence, creating meaningful economic opportunities and contributing to the development of Fiji's maritime communities.
Avishay Singh of Sahil's Party Ice and Frozen Supplies won the Best Agri-Business SME of the Year award for excellence, innovation and sustainable growth in agriculture and value-added agricultural products.
Leone Vulaca of Leone Vulaca Prosthetic and Orthotic Centre received the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year award in recognition of his innovation and strong business growth.
Dr Marilyn Cornelius of Alchemus Prime was named Women Entrepreneur of the Year for her leadership, innovation and business excellence.
Tanisha Lal of NailedIt won the Youth Entrepreneur of the Year award for demonstrating innovation, resilience and excellence in growing her business.
Each category winner received a $5,000 cash prize presented by the respective category sponsors.
The Fiji Development Bank says the awards recognise the important role SMEs play in creating jobs, strengthening communities and driving Fiji's economic growth, while celebrating the entrepreneurs whose vision, determination and innovation continue to build a more resilient and prosperous nation.
