The South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) has officially launched its 15th Businesswoman of the Year Awards and Foundation Day at its headquarters in Suva. This celebration marks another milestone in SPBD Fiji’s commitment to recognizing and honoring the invaluable contributions of women entrepreneurs across the nation. Over the past 14 years, the awards have aimed to highlight the achievements of women who have made a significant impact through microenterprise activities.
Chief judge Lorraine Seeto emphasized that this event is more than simply an awards ceremony; it is a platform to showcase the remarkable influence that women entrepreneurs have in their businesses and communities. According to Seeto, these women are not just achieving financial success but are also generating positive change that uplifts families and inspires communities.
This year’s awards are themed “Women Microentrepreneurs Making Macro Impact,” and will feature eight categories to recognize individual and center-level accomplishments. The categories include:
– Individual Awards:
– SPBD Businesswoman of the Year
– Centre Chief of the Year
– Centre Secretary of the Year
– Financial Education Facilitator of the Year
– Individual Saver of the Year
– Centre Awards:
– Centre of the Year
– Centre Saver of the Year
– New Centre of the Year
Elrico Munoz, director and general manager of SPBD Fiji, noted that the rigorous selection process ensures that the winners exemplify innovation, leadership, and resilience, serving as beacons of inspiration for others.
Nominations will be open until June 2, with the screening of nominees scheduled for June 13. Field visits and interviews are slated for between June 30 and September 12, leading up to the main awards ceremony on October 3.
This initiative not only highlights the essential role women play in Fiji’s socio-economic landscape but also serves as an encouraging reminder of the transformative power of women’s entrepreneurship. SPBD continues to inspire communities by empowering women, reinforcing the idea that supporting female-led enterprises fosters holistic growth and development, which is vital for a brighter future for all.
With the commitment shown by SPBD and the increasing recognition of women’s unyielding spirit in business, there is a hopeful outlook for economic empowerment and social progress in Fiji, setting an exemplary precedent for other nations to follow.
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