Westpac Expands Regional Impact with Fiji Female Founders Business Support Program

• Westpac Fiji rolls out targeted program to strengthen female entrepreneurial ecosystem
• The initiative tackles access to capital, capability gaps, and limited connectivity
• The program is a tailored business model to drive sustained growth for women leaders

Women-led enterprises across Fiji will benefit from Westpac’s newly launched Female Founders Program, aimed at accelerating women’s participation and impact in the business landscape. The Female Founders Program is built on last year’s We-Finance Code agreement, reinforcing efforts to improve financing pathways and business services for WMSMEs.

Shane Smith, CEO of Westpac Fiji, announced that the bank is first to act on the We-Finance Code, underscoring its commitment to unlocking economic potential and fostering inclusive growth through targeted support for women innovators and business leaders. He emphasized that the program is a platform for women’ to translate their vision into action, blending financial tools with personal empowerment to help them thrive personally and professionally.

According Emma Low, Westpac Pacific Managing Director, Westpac’s new initiative addresses critical growth enablers for women entrepreneurs in Fiji, offering solutions in finance, skill development, and strategic connections to foster scalable business outcomes.

The program is structured to address the distinct challenges and evolving business needs at each phase of business development. It supports women entrepreneurs by addressing core challenges in finance, skills development, and business networking.