Westpac Fiji’s Female Founders Program expands to Host Women’s Market Day
17 April 2026
Westpac Fiji is hosting its first Female Founders Market Day for 2026 on Saturday 11 April at the University of the South Pacific (USP), Laucala Campus carpark as part of its Female Founders Program. Members of the public are invited to attend, bring their families along, and support women entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Designed to provide female vendors with a platform to market their goods, the event also aims to give budding female entrepreneurs more exposure and a chance to network.
As a new initiative under Westpac’s Female Founders Program, the Women’s Market Day directly supports women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by strengthening networking opportunities, increasing market exposure and connecting participating vendors to the program’s broader support pathway.
Members of the public can expect a wide variety of goods to be on display; from creative hand-crafted ornaments, pandanus-woven mats, an assortment of delicious homemade food and clothing to name a few, along with entertainment on site for attendees to enjoy throughout the day.
Westpac Fiji Chief Executive, Shane Smith, said the event builds on the bank’s broader efforts to support women succeed across Fiji, whether it be academically or in business as entrepreneurs.
“At Westpac, we know too well the crucial economic role women play in our communities. Creating spaces such as this market, allows women to showcase their talents and flair and potentially grow their business and customer base too,” shared Mr Smith.
The event is a reflection of Westpac’s strong commitment as signatory of the 2024 We-Fi Code; an agreement that sought to increase access to funding and support for women led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Fiji.
Championed by the Reserve Bank of Fiji and Asian Development Bank (ADB), Westpac Fiji was the only commercial bank to sign the agreement. Months later, Westpac launched the Female Founders program in July 2025 to honour its commitment under the We-Fi Code. The program offers a holistic support package across four key areas: Grants, Loans, Education and Networking to help provide women-led MSMEs with tools, resources and financial support at every stage of their business journey, including platforms such as the Women’s Market Day.
Westpac Fiji Manager Community & Engagement, Keni Baro said, “The Women’s Market Day is another great way that we can extend our support for women-led enterprises so, we encourage the general public to come out and truly appreciate these artisan’s craft and help to positively contribute to their growth and success.”
The Westpac Women’s Market Day will begin at 9am on Saturday 11 April at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Laucala Campus car park in Suva
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