SPBD Tonga disburses TOP 300M in Loans to Women Entrepreneurs

SPBD Microfinance (Tonga) Ltd has just passed another major milestone in its work to support women entrepreneurs by disbursing over TOP 300 million in loans since it was established in Tonga in 2009. The accomplishment reflects the ongoing contribution of the organisation toward the financial inclusion and women owned micro-enterprises in the Kingdom.

The new milestone follows more than a year since in March 2025, SPBD Tonga hit the milestone of disbursing over a quarter of a billion Baht in loans, which underscores women entrepreneurs' demand for financial services that are readily available. SPBD Tonga, a member of the country's largest network of microfinance institutions targeting women, has continued to grow, while assisting thousands of women to develop sustainable livelihoods and improve the economic health of their families.

In the last 17 years, the organization has helped over 6,000 women microentrepreneurs get loans to launch new businesses, grow their existing businesses, renovate their households, and fund their children's education. The funds have been used to provide families with the means to pay for education from primary school to university, and for women to have new opportunities for earning a living all over Tonga.

Key Highlights:

• TOP 300 million in loans disbursed since 2009, boosting financial inclusion
• Over 6,000 women entrepreneurs supported to start and grow businesses
• Business training, financial literacy, and mentoring help women build sustainable enterprises

In addition to lending, SPBD Tonga has been contributing significantly in the areas of promoting women's economic independence and reducing poverty. The organisation has empowered women entrepreneurs to build viable businesses, resulting in the creation of new job opportunities and improved community development, through financial resources, knowledge in business and ongoing guidance and support. Its efforts have also led to an improvement in the incomes of households and to women-led enterprises' financial resilience.

Fine Tuʻipulotu, General Manager of SPBD Tonga, thanked the thousands of women who have worked hard and are resilient to make this achievement possible and expressed their wish that these women will keep doing their work with the same dedication and devotion.

She said all loans offered by SPBD represent women who are dedicated to making a better future for their families. The organization's efforts have been instrumental in creating opportunities for women to start their own businesses, build their families' financial security and participate in the economic growth of Tonga, through greater access and inclusion in financial services. The milestone represents the commitment of SPBD employees, the bravery and commitment of its members and the faith of communities around the nation in the organization, she added.

With four offices in Tongatapu, ʻEua, Haʻapai and Vavaʻu, SPBD Tonga currently has 47 staff working in the Kingdom to provide women entrepreneurs with financial services and business support that is close to their communities.

Its methods are not confined to giving out loans. SPBD provides a variety of financial products and services, as well as business skills training, financial education, mentoring, and continuous assistance, to empower women entrepreneurs to operate their businesses efficiently and attain financial sustainability. Many members have been able to grow their businesses and increase their financial confidence and resilience through this comprehensive model.

Today, over TOP 300 million has been disbursed, and SPBD Tonga keeps on building its capacity to improve financial inclusion and women entrepreneurs. The organisation continues to strive for economic opportunities for women, sustainable business development and social and economic development of communities across Tonga.