FIJI DEVELOPMENT BANK PRESS RELEASE

FIJI DEVELOPMENT BANK: BUILDING FIJI THROUGH ENTERPRISE

Building Fiji through Enterprise is the theme for the 2012 FDB Small Business Awards which was launched in Suva today (15/08) by the Permanent Secretary for Sugar, Mr. Manasa Vaniqi.

The Small Business Awards was first introduced in August 2004 to promote Small Micro Enterprise (SME) development through the recognition of successful and innovative entrepreneurs’ who are making a livelihood and in doing so collectively make a strong contribution to Fiji’s economy. Business that are 100% locally owned and turning over between $30,000 and $100,000 in gross sales per annum are encouraged to enter the Awards.

“The Fiji Development Bank views small businesses as the cornerstone of economic growth and it also has a pivotal role to play in the alleviation of poverty,” Mr. Toganivalu said.

There 2012 Awards are open to five categories under which, businesses can enter:

1. Agriculture sponsored by Crest Chicken.

2. Tourism sponsored by Fiji Times Ltd

3. Manufacturing sponsored by New India Assurance.

4. Professional& Business Services sponsored by Reserve Bank of Fiji.

5. Wholesale/Retail sponsored by Sun Insurance.

In addition to these five categories, entries are also considered for the:

6. Best Business Practise Award; and

7. Special Award.

Entry forms are available from any FDB branch located Fiji-wide, sponsor outlets or click here to download an official entry form

Entries close on 14 September, 2012.

Category winners each receive $1,500 and runners up get $500 in prize money. The Awards will be presented on 22 November, 2012.

Click here to download a copy of the speech by Mr. Manasa Vaniqi, Permanane Secretary for Sugar FDB Board Member, Chief Guest at the launch of the 2012 FDB Small Business Awards.