Elena Tinai’s story exemplifies resilience, community support, and the impact of small business development. As a member of the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) from the Lautoka branch in Saru Centre, she was honored with the SPBD 2023 Businesswoman of the Year Award, recognizing her achievements in the organization’s annual awards.
At 44 years old, Ms. Tinai’s journey from adversity to success serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women in rural communities in Fiji. Originally from Sawakasa in Tailevu, she now lives in Saru, Lautoka with her husband, whom she considers her strongest supporter. Though they do not have children of their own, they have opened their home to children in need, providing them with a nurturing environment.
In 2013, Ms. Tinai embraced entrepreneurship by joining SPBD, an organization that aims to empower small businesses in underserved areas. Her first loan of $700 was a turning point that launched her business in selling fish sourced from Lautoka Wharf. While her business experienced steady growth, she faced challenges common to many small business owners.
Ms. Tinai shared her experiences of juggling fishing at night and selling her catch by day to provide for her family. Her determination remained steadfast as she believed that success is rooted in hard work and integrity. “I always tell myself that success isn’t about being lazy or giving up. You have to keep going, no matter how hard it gets,” she stated.
Her business expanded to include kava sourced from Rakiraki, serving both loyal customers and new clients. Over the years, her loan amounts grew significantly, increasing from her initial $700 to $5,000 and reaching $7,000 this year. The flexible financial support from SPBD, along with their focus on community, played a crucial role in her success.
“SPBD teaches us that we’re not alone. When times get tough, we can always turn to our center for support. Many women hesitate to join SPBD due to stereotypes about loans or fears of not being able to pay back. But I tell them, ‘this organization is not like the bank. They really care about you and will help you succeed,’” she added.
Looking towards the future, Ms. Tinai has ambitious plans for her business. She currently rents a boat for fishing but aims to purchase her own to enhance fish production and sustainability. She aspires to motivate other women in her community to leverage SPBD’s resources.
“The only thing you need is integrity. SPBD believes in you, and if they can offer you something that banks can’t, you need to believe in yourself and reinvest that support to grow.”