Pacific Makete

03/06/2024

The National Bank of Samoa (nbs) is developing a suite of new banking products that would benefit women entrepreneurs and improve remittances in Samoa with the support of IFC and the New Zealand Government.

The new products include tailored financial offerings for women entrepreneurs and a remittance product designed specifically for the needs of both overseas Samoans looking to send money home and their family and friends who are recipients of these remittances.

Learn more ⬇️

The National Bank of Samoa (nbs) is developing a suite of new banking products that would benefit women entrepreneurs and improve remittances in Samoa with the support of IFC and the New Zealand Government. The new products include tailored financial offerings for women entrepreneurs and a remittanc...

18/02/2024

Visitors to Tonga have a new way of exploring Tongatapu thanks to Alamoni and Taniela Takeifanga. They are the proud owners of ANT Bicycles Tonga, the first family-owned bicycle rental business in the heart of Nuku’alofa. Full story: https://shorturl.at/aisJT

11/02/2024

The quest to establish successful women-led businesses in Fiji continues, as 156 women entrepreneurs were accredited with certificates and essential skills and knowledge last week.

The women entrepreneurs are part of the fourth cohort of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program, an initiative by the U.S. Embassy Suva.

Read more at Pacific Makete ⬇️

The quest to establish successful women-led businesses in Fiji continues, as 156 women entrepreneurs were accredited with certificates and essential skills and knowledge last week. The women entrepreneurs are part of the fourth cohort of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program, an initiati...

24/01/2024

Twelve Pacific micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will see their businesses grow from strength to strength with the support of grants worth over $400,000 euros.

The grant is part of the European Union-funded ‘Safe Agricultural Trade Facilitation through Economic Integration in the Pacific’ (SAFE Pacific) project.

Implemented by the Pacific-Community-SPC Land Resources Division, the project aims to support Pacific MSMEs with capacity building and increased access to local and international markets.

Bula Coffee Farmboy Satuala Development Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands ACTIV Association

Read more at Pacific Makete ⬇️

Twelve Pacific micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will see their businesses grow from strength to strength with the support of grants worth over $400,000 euros. The grant is part of the European Union-funded ‘Safe Agricultural Trade Facilitation through Economic Integration in the Pacifi...

18/01/2024

“In Fiji, we are fortunate to have a growing group of great innovators that are passionate about evolving our business landscape. People like George Fong of TicketMax, Kenneth and Shaunalee Katafono of TraSeable Solutions, and Semi Tukana of SOLE Fintech Fiji,” said Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica.

“There are many other innovators out there, and this conference will provide a platform to bring different segments of the MSME ecosystem together,” added Kamikamica.

The Deputy Prime Minister commended the conference organiser, Business Assistance Fiji, for providing such an opportunity for local MSMEs.

Read more at Pacific Makete ⬇️

Innovation, creativity, and passion are some things to expect at Fiji’s first-ever conference for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in March this year. The theme of the conference is ‘Innovation Waves, Sailing MSMEs to Success’. Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade,...

18/01/2024

The Samoa Victim Support Group is working to strengthen the business skills of nofotane women entrepreneurs through a project funded by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia (UNESCAP).

Titled, The SVSG/ESCAP Nofotane Business Development Training, the Project’s goal is to economically empower 100 current or aspiring Nofotane woman entrepreneurs from remote or rural areas of Samoa, by providing them with critical skills for business sustainability.

Read more at Pacific Makete ⬇️

The Samoa Victim Support Group is working to strengthen the business skills of nofotane women entrepreneurs through a project funded by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia (UN ESCAP). Titled, The SVSG/ESCAP Nofotane Business Development Training, the Project’s goal is to e...

05/12/2023

Earlier this year, Business Assistance Fiji collaborated with the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion based in Papua New Guinea. The collaboration involved the coaching and training of 50 women entrepreneurs around Fiji during a three-day workshop.

Post-training was also conducted involving digital business skills, including training on how to set up a Facebook account and how to use e-commerce platforms like Vodafone’s VitiKart. One-on-one debt counselling sessions with businesswomen who have loans were also undertaken.

Read more at Pacific Makete ⬇️

“If you empower women, you empower communities”. That was the message by Dr Nur Bano, President of the Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) at last week’s Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) graduation ceremony in Suva. The event saw 50 businesswomen being accredited not only with certifica...

22/11/2023

Fiji’s National Women’s Expo made its grand return yesterday with hundreds of women showcasing their talents at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.

“As the nation returned to normalcy post-pandemic, we had to make sure that we bring the National Women’s Expo back at this big scale, just as our women deserve,” said Minister for Women, Lynda Tabuya, opening the event with her Permanent Secretary, Eseta Nadakuitavuki and Sulueti Rabuka, the Prime Minister’s wife.

Read more at Pacific Makete ⬇️

Fiji’s National Women’s Expo made its grand return yesterday with hundreds of women showcasing their talents at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. “As the nation returned to normalcy post-pandemic, we had to make sure that we bring the National Women’s Expo back at this big scale, just as our women...

20/11/2023

Since he was five, Sidhand Dev Sharma has learned the ropes of owning a sustainable upholstery business through the guidance of his father.

Today, his father’s Navua-based business, Static Upholstery And Renewable Furnishing, is 45-years-strong, and he is continuing that legacy, through his own start-up, Impact Recyclers, which is also based in the vibrant riverside town. It launched in March this year.

Sharma is also a recent graduate of GGGI Pacific.

Read more at Pacific Makete ⬇️

Since he was five, Sidhand Dev Sharma has learned the ropes of owning a sustainable upholstery business through the guidance of his father. Today, his father’s Navua-based business, Static Upholstery and Renewable Furnishings, is 45-years-strong, and he is continuing that legacy, through his own s...

26/10/2023

Microfinance company SPBD Microfinance Network has joined with Cyber Food, a Fiji-based online food delivery platform, to bridge the digital divide between Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises in the country.

The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Suva today, which was officiated by Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica.

Read more at Pacific Makete ⬇️

Microfinance company South Pacific Business Development has joined with Cyber Food, a Fiji-based online food delivery platform, to bridge the digital divide between Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises in the country.  The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Suva today, whic...

10/10/2023

Cook Islands vendors have been invited to participate in a trade day event that will be hosted during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in November in Rarotonga.

Read more at Pacific Makete ⬇️

Cook Islands vendors have been invited to participate in a trade day event that will be hosted during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in November in Rarotonga. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) is inviting interested local vendors to register their interest by contacti...

11/09/2023

“Doing handicrafts together has actually strengthened our bond as mother and daughter. It also helps us to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses because we work a lot together.”

So says Emily, who along with her mother Toka, are the founders of Te Raraga, a family-owned handicrafts business based at the Suva Handicrafts Centre since 2018.

Their designs showcase traditional Tuvalu and Kiribati woven items that are “incorporated with other Pacific Island designs”.

By Kite Pareti “Doing handicrafts together has actually strengthened our bond as mother and daughter. It also helps us to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses because we work a lot together.” So says Emily, who along with her mother Toka, are the founders of Te Raraga, a family-own...

05/09/2023

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is facilitating three training sessions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) today at their main office in Nasese, Suva.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is facilitating three training sessions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) today at their main office in Nasese, Suva. From 9.30am – 12.30pm, you will be equipped with knowledge on how to register your business, book keeping, creating a pro...

05/09/2023

Last week’s Pacific Islands Entrepreneurship Expo generated a wave of enthusiasm as women entrepreneurs and change-makers gathered from across the region.

The expo brought together a diverse group of individuals with a shared goal of creating sustainable and impactful businesses that contribute to the development of their communities and the planet.

Global Green Growth Institute MAYA STYLE Kavalicious- Taveuni

Innovating for Social Impact By Prerna Priyanka Last week’s Pacific Islands Entrepreneurship Expo generated a wave of enthusiasm as women entrepreneurs and change-makers gathered from across the region. The expo brought together a diverse group of individuals with a shared goal of creating sustain...

03/09/2023

In a transformative journey that combines entrepreneurship, creativity and community empowerment, Esther Sione Daniels, the visionary founder of Te'hine Trend, is making waves in Papua New Guinea’s business landscape. Her relentless efforts to support local artisans and embrace sustainability have garnered recognition and admiration.

Read more at Pacific Makete ⬇️

By Prerna Priyanka In a transformative journey that combines entrepreneurship, creativity and community empowerment, Esther Sione Daniels, the visionary founder of Te’hine Trend, is making waves in Papua New Guinea’s business landscape. Her relentless efforts to support local artisans and embrac...

31/08/2023

Talei Tora, Founder of GingerLei Beer Fiji and the regional winner of the Pacific Greenpreneurs Accelerator pitch program, highlighted the importance of promoting local resources and sustainable packaging at the Pacific Islands Entrepreneurship Expo yesterday in Suva.

The Expo is a gathering of stakeholders from the private sector, development partners, and the United Nations to discuss opportunities and address challenges within the Pacific entrepreneurship ecosystem.

During her pitch, Tora emphasised the alarming rates of diabetes and plastic pollution in Fiji, showcasing her company’s efforts to address these challenges.

“In Fiji, diabetic amputations occur every 8.5 hours. One in three Fijians are diagnosed with diabetes,” Tora reminded participants, highlighting the urgent need for healthier beverage options.

Read more at Pacific Makete ⬇️

By Prerna Priyanka Fiji’s very own ginger beer company, Ginger Lei Fiji, is on a mission to not only provide a delicious and healthy beverage option, but also to tackle some of the nation’s pressing health and environmental challenges. Talei Tora, Founder of Ginger Lei Fiji and the regional w...

28/08/2023

Pacific exporters can apply for the second round of the 2023 Freight Support Package from Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand.

Applications open 1st September 2023 and close 30th September 2023.

Pacific exporters can apply for the second round of the 2023 Freight Support Package from Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand. The Freight Support Package supports exporters from the Blue Pacific Continent in the wake of global inflation and rising supply chain costs. The scheme helps strengthen busine...

22/08/2023

22/08/2023

On this afternoon in central Suva

Bula all!
The Fiji Chapter For World Indigenous Business Network wants to have a talanoa with you! All indigenous business owners are welcome to this open discussion TOMORROW Tuesday 22nd August, 3:30pm at the Suva Flea Market Foodcourt!

This is the opportunity to link up with indigenous communities across the globe and trade, network, and discuss business! Come along!

03/08/2023

The COVID-19 pandemic affected businesses of all scales and types worldwide. However, little is known about the role and potential of online platforms in supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) during such crises, particularly in emerging markets.

Learn more at Pacific Makete ⬇️

By Yesim Elhan-Kayalar, Yasuyuki Sawada and Yana van der Meulen Rodgers The COVID-19 pandemic affected businesses of all scales and types worldwide. However, little is known about the role and potential of online platforms in supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) during such....

01/08/2023

The Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) will be running a series of workshops for Vanuatu entrepreneurs from 7-9 August, 2023.

Find out more at Pacific Makete ⬇️

The Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) will be running a series of free workshops on customer service, Facebook business marketing, budgeting, and how to keep financial records. Workshop 1: Using Facebook to promote your small business When? Monday, 7 August 2023 from 8.30am-4.30pmWhere...

27/07/2023

“Women play a big role in society. They are teachers, pastors, and doctors. They work 24 hours because their families are most important to them,” said Kinisimere Waqa, a Coordinator with the Fiji Young Women's Christian Association, during the YWCA’s first Market Day for the year in Suva recently.

The non-profit organisation has been a pillar of hope for countless Fijian women since 1961.

Read more on Pacific Makete ⬇️

By Kite Pareti “Women play a big role in society. They are teachers, pastors, and doctors. They work 24 hours because their families are most important to them,” said Kinisimere Waqa, a Coordinator with the Young Women’s Christian Association, during the YWCA’s first Market Day for the year ...

27/07/2023

[ ] Pacific Trade Invest Australia invites freelancers from across the region to participate in their upcoming webinar, ‘Introduction to the Digital Services Sector’.

This 90-minute session is a pivotal component of PTI Australia’s latest initiative to bolster the Pacific’s digital presence amidst an increasingly digitised global service economy.

Learn more at Pacific Makete ⬇️

Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia invites freelancers from across the region to participate in their upcoming webinar, ‘Introduction to the Digital Services Sector’.  This 90-minute session is a pivotal component of PTI Australia’s latest initiative to bolster the Pacific’s digital prese...

20/07/2023

Mana Coffee has launched , featuring a talanoa with Fiji Development Bank CEO Saud Minam.

Learn more at Pacific Makete ⬇️

Mana Coffee has launched , featuring a talanoa with Fiji Development Bank CEO Saud Minam. If you’re interested in how FDB can help you, stop by to find out more about their products and services, including support , and . 🕰️ 6:30-7...

19/07/2023

What excites Juhne Kamikamica the most is being able to create jobs for those who are marginalised, which stems from her own experience of facing challenging times while searching for work.

“I’m very excited to help the unfortunate, because there was a time when I was back home, I was in that situation, after high school. I didn’t have good grades so I dropped out of high school. I didn’t have a reference, I didn’t have a job, I had to ask my neighbour, my friend, sometimes for my bus fare to go and look for jobs.

“So, when I opened up this business, I said I could help people find a job … hardworking and honest workers.”

Learn more about Delightful Laundry - Fiji, Kamikamica’s launderette venture ⬇️

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti Delightful Laundry’s owner has stepped into the entrepreneurial world determined to fill a gap and provide opportunities for the marginalised. And she is doing it from Colorado in the United States, with the help of technology and personal determination. Juhne Kamikamic...

18/07/2023

Having built a name for himself with a bow and arrows, George Fong has shifted his sights to meeting the need for a ticket-organising app for Fijian event holders.

TicketMax, a new event ticketing platform, was created from scratch by Fong and is designed for anyone who organises events and wants to avoid the hassle of processing ticket sales.

The first of its kind in Fiji, the app took six months to complete. The inspiration behind it comes from Fong’s involvement in sports.

Read more at Pacific Makete ⬇️

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti Having built a name for himself with a bow and arrows, George Fong has shifted his sights to meeting the need for a ticket-organising app for Fijian event holders. TicketMax, a new event ticketing platform, was created from scratch by Fong and is designed for anyone who o...

09/07/2023

Value City is a household name across Fiji as a source of second-hand clothes, books and other pre-loved treasures.

The family-owned business was started in May 1990 by Alick Patrick Chute and his Australian partner, with a store in Labasa. After a year, Chute decided to expand to Suva, and realised, who better to manage the new branch than his talented daughter, Vera?

She believes her parents started the business out of necessity, “for the lack of clothing, and to complement their income; they were both working nine to five jobs when they started something for themselves on the side, but it really took off.”

Learn more about their entrepreneurial journey at Pacific Makete ⬇️

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti Value City is a household name across Fiji as a source of second-hand clothes, books and other pre-loved treasures. The family-owned business was started in May 1990 by Alick Patrick Chute and his Australian partner, with a store in Labasa. After a year, Chute decided to....

07/07/2023

Michael Mausio is always reinventing himself. As someone who abhors the status quo, he craves growth and is willing to shift his image, brand, logo, or direction entirely when his entrepreneurial mind thinks of new ways to stay current.

The 32-year-old is the owner and founder of the House of Mausio and several other businesses.

Read the full story at Pacific Makete ⬇️

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti Michael Mausio is always reinventing himself. As someone who abhors the status quo, he craves growth and is willing to shift his image, brand, logo, or direction entirely when his entrepreneurial mind thinks of new ways to stay current. The 32-year-old has always been his...

07/07/2023

Pacific Trade Invest Australia, the region’s leading trade and investment promotion agency, have opened applications to business professionals across the Blue Pacific region for PTI Australia’s LinkedIn Essentials – Pacific Masterclass, a pioneering initiative specifically tailored for Pacific businesses.

Learn more at Pacific Makete ⬇️

Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia, the region’s leading trade and investment promotion agency, have opened applications to business professionals across the Blue Pacific region for PTI Australia’s LinkedIn Essentials – Pacific Masterclass, a pioneering initiative specifically tailored for P...

28/06/2023

Two years since launching their range of coconut based products, Fijian entrepreneurs Kylie Daunoco and Jojina Ah-Yuk have entered into a new partnership with PHAMA Plus to further revive the tradition of making toddy.

Initially known for their delicious home-made coconut ice-creams— a venture birthed during Covid lockdowns — the duo have launched other coconut goodies in the form of soaps, scented oils, and pure nectar into the local market.

The founders of Marama Niu source their coconut nectar (or toddy) from the island communities of Rabi and Kioa. But as Terikano Takesau of Banaban Virgin Coconut Oil Facility says, this tradition is dying out.

Read more on our site ⬇️

By Kite Pareti Two years since launching their range of coconut based products, Fijian entrepreneurs Kylie Daunoco and Jojina Ah-Yuk have entered into a new partnership to further revive the tradition of making toddy. Initially known for their delicious home-made coconut ice-creams—a venture birth...