BSP and ABV Launch Third Year of Fiji THRIVE Program.

This year’s program began this week in the Central Division, welcoming 25 new MSME participants who will gain access to tailored workshops, expert coaching, and holistic mentoring support designed to foster sustainable business growth.

Since its inception, Fiji THRIVE—an acronym for “Together, helping [to build a] Resilient, Inclusive [and] Vibrant Economy”—has enhanced Bank South Pacific’s commitment to local business development and financial inclusion in Fiji. Participants completing this program will strengthen Fiji's MSME network while aligning with the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) 2022-2030.

Bank South Pacific Country Head, Haroon Ali emphasised the program's significance: “We are delighted to continue this program with Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) as our partner, bringing the highest quality of expertise to this program. Their skilled business professionals (SBP) offer invaluable hands-on coaching and mentoring. This next cohort will include Lachlan Duncan, who brings extensive experience in strategy and leadership and Catherine Corderoy who will provide expert insights into accounting and business management. Together with ABV we are proud to help local business thrive in line with our vision to champion prosperity for the South Pacific”.

ABV Chief Executive Officer Liz Mackinlay highlighted the program's broader impact: “Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) is proud to be partnering with Bank South Pacific on Fiji THRIVE to support MSME resilience building through practical, long-term business training, coaching, and mentoring. We are continually impressed by the calibre of participants in the program, especially the growing number of women-led businesses. Their dedication and innovation are helping to build a strong foundation for Fiji's economic future. ”

Building on two years of success, Bank South Pacific and ABV are enhancing their approach to address the unique challenges faced by MSMEs. The program includes:

• Three-day workshops tailored to meet participants' needs;
• One-on-one coaching sessions with ABV’s SBPs, participants will get help developing actionable 60-day business plans; and
• Networking opportunities to connect MSMEs with industry experts, peers and potential partners.

Fiji THRIVE is supported by BSP’s local market knowledge and ABV’s international development expertise, the program delivers high-impact solutions that contribute to a resilient economy.

Since launching in March 2023, 92 local businesses operating in the Northern, Central and Western division have gone through the Fiji THRIVE Program of which 66% were women-led.