Nine small and medium enterprise operators were honored at the 2023 FDB National Small and Medium Enterprise Awards for their resilience, innovation, growth, and contributions to Fiji’s economic development. The awarded entrepreneurs manage a diverse range of businesses, including poultry farms, upcycling initiatives, forest park tours, and kava exports.
Damend Gounder, chairperson of the Fiji Development Bank board, praised these small businesses for their remarkable evolution in an era of unprecedented technological advancements alongside numerous challenges. He highlighted their commitment to progress and greater inclusiveness while operating in environmentally sustainable ways.
The chief guest, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, recognized the critical role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as essential drivers of economic prosperity at the grassroots level. He noted that despite facing difficulties, National Small and Medium Enterprises displayed impressive resilience and adaptability. He commended their embrace of innovation and digital transformation, which illustrates their determination and spirit.
Debra Sadranu, the overall winner and founder of Essence Group Fiji Ltd, which manufactures and distributes nama skincare products, expressed her gratitude for the recognition of her team’s hard work and dedication. She acknowledged her team, particularly the women harvesters in Yasawa, and Fiji’s abundant resources that contribute to their products.