Four women running small businesses in Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai and 'Eua received the annual SPBD Business Woman of the Year Awards today.

The entrepreneurs had used the South Pacific Business Development microfinance program, to develop their businesses.

Founder and President Gregory Casagrande presented the awards at a ceremony held at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall, marking the 10^th anniversary of the establishment of SPBD in Tonga.

Awards were given to each winner from ‘Eua, Ha’apai, Vava’u and Tongatapu.

Tu’itofa Prema (37) from Tu’atakilangi, is the Tongatapu Business Woman of the Year. She runs a hair salon business in Kolofo’ou.

Longoimana Fonua won the award for 'Eua, Katalina Tolu for Ha’apai and Makelesi 'Asikia for Vava'u.

Brighter future

Mr Casagrande said he was proud, that after 10-years of working in Tonga, they had worked with over 10,000 successful micro-entrepreneurs, with over $65 million pa’anga of unsecured credit.

"Whether it is here in Tonga or elsewhere in the Pacific these are women who are investing in their businesses, homes and their children’s education. These are women who are saving and building their business and household assets. They are building a brighter future for their families."

"This means providing meaningful access of helpful financial products and services to all people, regardless of their economic position or status in life. Especially SPBD Tonga, village based women can take out a loan to start a small income generated business."

SPBD also provides women with financial training, ongoing guidance and motivation.