THRIVE Program Surpasses 200 Local Business Graduates

Bank of South Pacific and Australian Business Volunteers are celebrating a significant milestone with their joint local business development program surpassing 200 graduates since its launch in March 2023.

Known as the Fiji THRIVE, the program served its latest cohort of 27 local entrepreneurs in Sigatoka where participants completed personalised mentoring, practical workshops and networking designed to strengthen their businesses. The group, included businesses operating in tourism, hospitality, retail, agribusiness, manufacturing, handicrafts, bakery operations and sawmilling.

Since launching in 2023, Fiji THRIVE has provided practical business capability development by combining one-on-one mentoring, interactive workshops and ongoing coaching to help entrepreneurs improve business planning, financial management, operational performance and long-term sustainability.

Our Skilled Business Professionals work alongside entrepreneurs to solve real business challenges using practical experience and tailored advice. Participants leave with stronger business skills, greater confidence and valuable networks that continue long after the workshops have finished.

The Skilled Business Professionals that assisted in this latest round include:

• Lesley Vick - an experienced project manager, organisational development specialist and volunteer mentor with more than three decades of leadership across Australia, the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia. Lesley has helped strengthen businesses, communities and teams by building organisational capability, delivering complex programs and mentoring emerging leaders.
• John McKenna - John is a recently retired CEO and accomplished executive leader with more than 30 years of experience across the commercial, facilities and social housing sectors, known for driving organisational performance through strategic leadership, workforce development and effective change management.
• Kaylene Benson is an experienced international development adviser with a strong background in government reform, human resources and business management, having worked across the Pacific Islands and Asia With particular expertise in change management and training, she has supported civil service reform and organisational development initiatives in numerous countries

We extend a huge thank you to all of the Skilled Business Professional that have given their time in Fiji.

With the Sigatoka programme now complete, Fiji THRIVE resumes in Suva, where a new cohort of entrepreneurs will begin their business capability journey. Together, BSP and Australian Business Volunteers remain committed to expanding the programme's reach and equipping more Fijians with the skills, mentoring and confidence to build stronger businesses and contribute to Fiji's economic future.

BSP Relieving Country Head Maikash Ali further commented by adding:

"Together with our partner, Australian Business Volunteers, we are proud to support these resilient entrepreneurs who are solving real challenges, creating opportunities and driving economic activity in their communities. In this latest cohort, we are especially pleased that 17 women-owned businesses participated, reinforcing our shared commitment to building a more inclusive and vibrant business community.”

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Related articles:

https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/mentorship-program-reaches-200-businesses

https://fijisun.com.fj/news/business/more-than-200-entrepreneurs-graduate-from-bsp-fiji-thrive-programme