Photos by Linny Folau.

Handicraft entrepreneur, Hulita Fevaleaki (47) from Ma’ufanga won the SPBD Business Woman of the Year Award for improving her family's life through her small business, using the South Pacific Business Development microfinance program.

The award was presented on on November 10, by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Lord Tu’i’afitu and SPBD Founder and President Greg Casagrande, at Epworth Hall in Nuku'alofa.

A mother of one, Hulita said she weaves at home and sells her products at a handicraft shop in Otahuhu, New Zealand. She also buys other Tongan handicrafts in Tonga, such as tapa, and sells to clients in the United States, which has become a livelihood for her family.

It has been over eight-years since SPBD was established in Tonga. "I’m proud to say that we have remained true to our mission of providing women of Tonga with meaningful economic opportunity," said Greg.

SPBD provides members with training, unsecured credit and ongoing guidance and motivation to help them start and expand small income generating businesses.

“We have successfully worked with over 9,000 families in nearly every village across Tongatapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua and have provided them with over $56 million pa’anga of unsecured credit,” Greg said.

Building businesses

Lord Tu’i’afitu said this year's theme of creating opportunities for a better tomorrow is a crucial first step towards self-reliance.

Self-reliance is a giant leap in the direction of lifting one self and your families out of poverty, build businesses and keep Tonga’s children in school and improve their hopes, he said.

“This is an occasion that honours each and every woman that works hard all year round to take care of her family.”

Other awards included Business Woman of the Year runner-ups and prizes for outstanding individual saver, outstanding center secretary and outstanding center of the year.

The annual event started with a colourful parade from Vuna Wharf on a sunny morning in the capital.