Elena Tinai’s story exemplifies persistence, community backing, and the life-changing potential of small business growth. A member of the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) at the Lautoka branch, Tinai was honored with the SPBD 2023 Businesswoman of the Year Award, a highlight of the organization’s annual accolades.
Her journey from struggle to success serves as an inspiration for budding entrepreneurs, particularly women in rural areas of Fiji. The 44-year-old originated from Sawakasa in Tailevu and currently lives in Saru, Lautoka with her husband, whom she credits as her steadfast support.
Despite not having children of their own, the couple has opened their home to children in need, providing a nurturing environment for their growth and education. Tinai embarked on her entrepreneurial path in 2013 by joining SPBD, which focuses on empowering small businesses in marginalized communities.
She began with a small loan of $700, which initiated a journey that would ultimately change her life. This initial funding enabled her to start selling fish from the Lautoka Wharf. Over the years, her business flourished, albeit with many challenges.
Tinai recalled the difficulty of managing her time, as she often fished at night and sold her catch the following day to provide for her family. She drew strength from her belief in hard work and integrity, stating, “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.”
Her business soon diversified to include kava sourced from Rakiraki, catering to both existing and new customers. Over the years, her borrowing increased from $700 to $5000 and now $7000 this year. The adaptable financial assistance from SPBD, coupled with its community-oriented approach, played a crucial role in her achievements.
“SPBD teaches us that we’re not alone. When times get tough, we can always turn to our center for support,” she affirmed.
Tinai noted that many women are cautious about joining SPBD because of misconceptions surrounding loans or fears of repayment. She reassured them, saying, “This organization is not like the bank. They really care about you and will help you succeed.”
Looking toward the future, Tinai has ambitious plans for her business. Although she currently rents a boat to fish, her goal is to purchase her own vessel, which she believes will enhance her production capacity and make her business more sustainable.
Furthermore, she is eager to motivate other women in her community to leverage the services provided by SPBD. “The only thing you need is integrity. SPBD believes in you, and if they can offer you something that banks cannot, you need to have faith in yourself and use that support to grow.”