Never had I imagined that I will reach such a milestone and achieve so much after starting my business.
Never had I imagined that I will reach such a milestone and achieve so much after starting my business.
These were the words of entrepreneur, Ms Milinia Naituyaga after she received the special recognition award at the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs East Asia (AWE) Regional Summit 23 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia earlier this month
A staff with Fiji Airways for over 30 years, Ms Naituyaga’s life changed after Fiji Airways had to send over 400 staff home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms Naituyaga who was determined at that time to start a business and make a living, says it was the best decision of my life that I took.
Ms Naituyaga started her home-based business, Nadro Events Solutions, in 2020 with one staff only. With determination and hard work, Ms Naituyaga now operates her business from an events Centre in Sigatoka Town and has 10 staff working for her.
Becoming a member of Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) and registering with the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC) has been an eye opener for me.
“This platform has given me so much. I have received the necessary trainings, have been part of workshops and have networked with so many amazing people since joining FCEF and WEBC.”
“It is like reaching another level and milestone in my business after I received this special recognition award.”
“This award is so special for me. It has motivated me to do better and now I know I have to do my best.”
“I dedicate this award to my families, friends, staff and all my customers in Fiji and abroad.”
Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC) chair Ms Eseta Nadakuitavuki who led the team said to lead a delegation of inspired, motivated and empowered women is not an easy task but she loved the challenge.
With my years of experience as the chairperson of the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council and Senior leadership roles in my professional life, leading the team has again sharpened my leadership skills,” she said.
Mrs Nadakuitavuki said Ms Naituyaga receiving the special recognition award in Kuala Lumpur was icing on the cake.
“This award means a lot not only to her but of course to the Fiji delegation that were present to witness this great achievement. As Milinia’s facilitator from the AWE 2020 cohort, I was excited, emotional and proud of her achievement” she said
This trip was important as it’s the first for alumnae, implementers and facilitators to attend, network and share best practices. There are a lot of opportunities to improve on how we treat the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program and I am thankful to the US Embassy for the support in the last 3 years as we about to embark on the 4th year in 2023,” she added.
WEBC Coordinator Mrs. Fiona Uagunu was delighted to see Ms Naituyaga receiving the special award.
“This was a special moment for WEBC as Milinia received the special award. It is a motivation to other women and members of the Council to keep striving.
“This trip has been fruitful as it gave the alumnae to network, and learn from all other participants that were present at the Summit,” she said.
Ms Naituyaga thanked WEBC Chair and Coordinator for their support and coaching through out her journey so far.
I am grateful for all the support I have received from WEBC and I would encourage all women entrepreneurs to register with Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation and become a member of the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council,” she said.
WEBC Chair, Ms Nadakuitavuki also encouraged other women to reach out to WEBC and learn more.
“It is indeed an honour for WEBC to be an implementing partner and we are proud to churn approximately 100 women every year. We do choose our facilitators well to ensure that these women receive the best training they can as they dream in starting their business or scale it up.”
“We have been in existence for the last 10 years and have a focussed approach on our activities with our 5-year strategic plan in place. WEBC has a vision of Women Entrepreneurs Invigorating the Nation and I invite and encourage women in all walks of life to be part of this call and let’s invigorate the nation,” she added.
Women Entrepreneurs Business Council is grateful to US Embassy Suva for their support in allowing seven AWE Alumnae to participate and experience the networking with likeminded womenn during the summit.