Eight businesses were honored at the Fiji Development Bank’s (FDB) 2024 National Small Medium Enterprise Awards (NSMEA), held at the Grand Pacific Hotel. This annual event is designed to celebrate and empower exceptional SMEs across various sectors in Fiji.
This year, the NSMEA received over a hundred applications and nominations across nine categories, reflecting the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit within the country. The winners emerged after rigorous evaluations by a panel of judges. Recognized businesses included:
– Overall Winner and Women Entrepreneur of the Year: Mesovu Fiji Pte Ltd – Beatrice Nast
– Agri-Business SME of the Year: Pacific Produce Pte Ltd – Peter Kaer and Lilian Ekbom
– Youth Entrepreneur of the Year: Futuristic Farms – Balbir Singh
– Best Maritime SME of the Year: Saunitoga Enterprise Pte Ltd – Sowane Saunitoga
– Sustainable SME of the Year: Nabogiono Forest Park – Naresh Kumar
– Best Businessperson of the Year: Mahmood Malawiya Farm Fresh Pure Honey – Mahmood Malawiya
– Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year: Ground Gold Investment – Avikash Shahil Singh
– Cooperative SME of the Year: Ratu Naevo Farm Cooperative Ltd – Adi Varanisese Neinoka Derenalagi
President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu emphasized the importance of SMEs in fostering entrepreneurship, especially among women, youth, and vulnerable groups. He remarked on the agility and innovative capacity of SMEs in adapting to market changes and their role as incubators for new ideas.
The government has committed to enhancing the SME sector’s contribution to Fiji’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through initiatives in the National Development Plan, launched last year. This plan aims to improve finance access, capacity building, and facilitate the transition of more SMEs into the formal economy.
Damend Gounder, chairman of FDB, congratulated the winners, describing SMEs as the heartbeat of Fiji. He noted that these businesses drive food security and contribute to creating a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Gounder further reaffirmed FDB’s ongoing dedication to supporting and advancing SMEs in the nation.
The event not only recognized the current contributions of SMEs but also highlighted a hopeful future for entrepreneurship in Fiji. By fostering innovation and inclusiveness, both the government and financial institutions are committed to ensuring the continued growth and resilience of SMEs, which are vital to the nation’s economic and social landscape.
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