By Loretta B Manele
South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) in Solomon Islands is pleased to announce its new exciting partnership with the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) to support financial inclusion and economic empowerment in the Solomon Islands.
According to a press statement from SPBD, this is the first funding arrangement between the two organizations which also marks a significant step in SPBD’s mission to expand access to essential financial services for underserved communities.
Through the partnership, DBSI will provide critical funding to SPBD Solomon Islands to help bolster microfinancing programs aimed at empowering local female entrepreneurs with the resources they need to create sustainable businesses.
Through enhancing access to credit and financial education, the collaboration of SPBD and DBSI will support the growth and resilience of micro-businesses across the country and strengthen economic opportunities and financial stability in local communities.
Raymond McCarthy, SPBD’s General Manager in Solomon Islands said they are incredibly honored to partner with the Development Bank of Solomon Islands on this milestone initiative.
“This funding arrangement will empower many female entrepreneurs in the Solomon Islands to access financing and support services that are essential to building a brighter and a more prosperous future. Together, we are committed to fostering sustainable growth and economic resilience across our communities”
Greg Casagrande, President and CEO of SPBD Microfinance expressed that their mission has always been to uplift families and communities through meaningful financial support and capacity building.
“Partnering with DBSI enables us to strengthen our impact and reach, helping us to create even more economic opportunities for those who need them most. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the opportunity it provides to bring positive change to the Solomon Islands”
Since it’s inception, SPBD has been committed to improving the quality of life of families across the South Pacific by providing access to vital financial services, business training, and opportunities for asset-building.
SPBD stressed that with this new funding from DBSI, they will be able to extend their services to even more entrepreneurs and families, offering a path out of poverty and toward financial independence.
As stated, DBSI is dedicated to promoting economic growth and social development across the Solomon Islands by providing access to essential financing and development resources for individuals, businesses, and communities.
The SPBD Microfinance Network was founded in 2000 with the mission to improve the quality of life of underprivileged families by providing them with meaningful economic opportunities to help lift them permanently out of poverty.
SPBD also mentioned that they are especially focused on empowering women to start, grow and maintain micro-businesses through the provision of access to financial and business development services as well as the opportunity to build assets, improve financial security and finance housing improvements and education.
“SPBD’s vision is to create a network of financially self-sufficient and scalable micro-enterprise development organisations throughout the South Pacific and today operations in Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Vanuatu in addition to the Solomon Islands”
