The Fiji Development Bank Celebrates Excellence at 2024 National SME Awards

On Thursday evening, the Fiji Development Bank once more continued its tradition of honouring Fiji’s MSME sector by hosting the 2024 National SME Awards at the Grand Pacific Hotel. The ceremony recognised those who had submitted strong applications and rose to the top across nine key award categories.

His Excellency, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the President of the Republic of Fiji, was the Chief Guest along with the First Lady, Her Excellency Emily Lalabalavu. In his opening remarks, His Excellency commended FDB for its pivotal role in enabling SME businesses to flourish.

He then reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening the support ecosystem for SMEs through avenues such as equitable access to finance and the development of enabling policies. He emphasised that such efforts are essential to nurturing SMEs from inception to innovation, and from serving local markets to reaching global frontiers.

“Your efforts uplift our communities, create jobs, and inspire others to take the leap into entrepreneurship. As we look to the future, let us commit together to ensuring progressive growth that leaves no one behind,” he encouraged.

In front of an enthusiastic and highly supportive audience along with an impressive media contingent in attendance, the event recognized the efforts and achievements of not only the winners but all the businesses that took great effort in making their submission.

In front of a vibrant audience and strong media presence, the event celebrated both the winners who proudly showcased their entrepreneurial journey and all the businesses who put effort into their award submissions.

FDB Board Chairperson, Mr. Damend Gounder highlighted that the success of an SME is Fiji’s success. “SMEs are the heartbeat of our nation. You respond faster than any statistic. You see market trends before they’re measured. You understand community needs because you live them. At FDB, we stand with you—not just to start your business journeys, but to ensure you grow, evolve, and succeed,” he remarked.

MSMEs are expected to significantly boost their contribution to GDP from the current 18% to as much as 40%. Notably, they represent 98.7% of all registered businesses in Fiji and contribute to over 64% of the nation’s total employment. [1]

The following businesses were the 9 award winners in their respective categories:

1. Best Agri-Business SME of the Year – Pacific Produce Pte Ltd
2. Best Maritime SME of the Year – Saunitoga Enterprise Pte Ltd
3. Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year – Ground Gold Investment
4. Youth Entrepreneur of the Year – Futuristic Farms
5. Best Businessperson of the Year – Mahmood Malawiya Farm Fresh Pure Honey
6. Best Cooperative SME of the Year – Ratu Naevo Farm Cooperative Ltd
7. Woman Entrepreneur of the Year – Mesovu Fiji Pte Ltd – Beatrice Nast
8. Sustainable SME of the Year – Nabogiono Forest Park
9. With the overall winner of the National SME of the Year being Mesovu Fiji Pte Ltd.

Sponsors and Partners of the event included the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications; the Reserve Bank of Fiji; the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation; Vodafone Fiji; Tower Insurance; Vision Investments Ltd; and Capital Insurance Limited – Fiji.

[1] https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/hummingbird-meta-set-to-soar/