The Fiji Development Bank launched its 8th annual business awards with its core sponsors today.
Entries are now open until September 30.
Small businesses can enter the following categories which have been updated this year:
- Agriculture (fisheries & forestry)
- Wholesale/Retail
- Manufacturing
- Professional & Business Services
- Tourism
FDB chief executive Ratu Deve Toganivalu said these sectors had been determined by Government as the new engines of growth for Fiji.
“The theme for this year – ‘Growing Fiji’ enhances Government’s efforts to reduce reliance on imported goods and encourage locals to buy locally grown and produced goods,” Ratu Deve said.
He said the previously known open category had now been renamed as Special Award, created to give recognition to those small businesses that showed the following qualities:
- Environmental considerations in the conduct of business. (the use of renewable energy, waste management, use of recycled materials)
- Unique in that it is innovative, breaks new ground and best depicts the spirit of entrepreneurship
“Additionally the overall category awarded previously has been renamed the Best Business Practice Award. This award will be given to businesses that clearly show it is a properly managed enterprise, has a business plan, proper employment records for staff and does monthly profit and loss,” Ratu Deve said.
All entries into either of the five main awards will also be considered for the Special and Best Business Practice Award.
Category winners will receive prize money of $1,500 and runners up get $500.
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