South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji has officially relocated its Nausori branch, marking a significant step in its 15-year commitment to empower women entrepreneurs in Fiji. The new office, which was blessed and opened by Reverend Savenaca Nakeke, Divisional Superintendent of the Nausori Methodist Division, is described as “a lighthouse that people can run to for help.”
Reverend Nakeke drew a parallel with the Biblical Story of the Talents, reminding staff and members that resources are meant to be multiplied rather than preserved. “God is not looking for us to simply preserve our lives or our faith in a bubble,” he stated. “He expects us to grow, multiply, and influence the world around us.”
SPBD Fiji Managing Director Lorraine Seeto welcomed members to the new premises, which is located just a short distance from the previous office. “This move is more than just a change of address,” she noted. “It represents growth, progress, and our unwavering commitment to serving our members better.” The new location places SPBD at the center of Nausori’s commercial activity, making it more accessible to the branch’s 89 centers and five staff members.
Seeto also expressed gratitude towards the organization’s partners for their contributions, which included an urn, fridge, and sandwich maker. Since SPBD established its presence in Fiji in December 2010, the organization has grown to ten branches across Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, and maritime islands. The Nausori branch, established in 2024, has outgrown its original premises due to the increasing demand from women entrepreneurs for microfinance support.
Looking ahead, Seeto announced that SPBD Fiji plans to open its 11th branch in Korovou by mid-2026, with staff already engaged in training. The ceremony highlighted SPBD’s core mission, founded by Gregory Casagrande in 2000, which is to transform potential into prosperity for women in the Pacific. This ongoing growth reflects an encouraging future for women entrepreneurs in Fiji, showcasing the collective efforts to support and uplift their businesses.
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