The Vanuabalavu Expo held in Lomaloma, Lau, received praise from finance provider Merchant Finance Limited. The company’s manager for the contact center, Sakiusa Boletawa, highlighted the expo’s potential market opportunities.
“Vanuabalavu stands out because of their current performance and their individual and community financing goals,” Boletawa stated.
The expo saw a strong turnout, with attendees expressing interest in expanding their businesses through capital, loans, and investments. Boletawa observed significant interest and noted the company’s previous success in financing a large number of vehicles on the island. Merchant Finance is open to providing more financing in the future to support the outer islands.
Boletawa also remarked on the positive cash flow and financial literacy on Vanuabalavu Island.
“We identified other businesses that could benefit from our MSME initiatives, including our Marama and Vanua Finance programs aimed at assisting women in MSMEs,” he said.
Merchant Finance focuses heavily on financing transportation on Vanuabalavu, with plans to increase their efforts after observing robust financial records among locals.
In addition to financial advice, Merchant Finance also engaged with students at Adi Moapa Secondary School to discuss career paths.