Nine small and medium business operators have received the 2023 FDB National Small and Medium Enterprise Awards for their resilience, innovation, growth, and significant contributions to the economic development of Fiji.
The award-winning businesses encompass a variety of sectors, including poultry farming, upcycling, forest park tours, and kava export. Damend Gounder, chairperson of the Fiji Development Bank board, praised these businesses for their remarkable journey amid unprecedented technological advancements and increasing challenges. He emphasized that despite these hurdles, they have managed not only to progress but to evolve inclusively and sustainably.
During the ceremony, Chief Guest President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere highlighted the crucial role of small and medium enterprises as essential drivers of economic stability at the grassroots level. He noted that despite facing significant adversity, these enterprises have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, embracing innovation and digital transformation with outstanding determination.
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 company’s dedication and passion. She acknowledged her team’s efforts, particularly the women harvesters in Yasawa, and the remarkable resources of Fiji that contribute to their product offerings.