Supporting Female Founders
Westpac is commited to promoting financial inclusion and removing barriers for business founders, including women.
About the program
At Westpac Fiji, we believe in the power of women to drive innovation, build thriving businesses, and create strong communities. That’s why we’re proud to introduce the Supporting Female Founders program – designed to champion women at every stage of their business journey.
We’re committed to breaking down barriers and providing the tools for long-term, sustainable success. Whether you’re launching a new venture, expanding your operations, or scaling for greater impact, this program offers solutions to meet your needs.
Because when women succeed in business, entire communities flourish.
Popular choices
Grant
Got a business idea or ready to grow? Grants of up to $5,000 available.
Coming soon!
Education
Free Business Basics training and resources designed to build your skills.
Coming Soon!
Where are you on your entrepreneurial journey?
Every successful business begins with a vision – and grows through distinct stages of development.
Whether you’re launching a new venture, expanding your operations, or managing a well-established enterprise, Westpac is here to support you at every stage of your journey.
Discover where your business stands today and explore tailored financial solutions and tools designed to help you move forward with confidence.
Which stage of your business best represents you?
Seed
You’re refining your concept, exploring the market, and preparing to register your business. Likely self-funded and taking the first steps.
Start-up
Your business is operational! Focused on brand recognition, attracting customers, and managing cash flow to sustain growth.
Growth
2-3 years in business, scaling operations, hiring, and exploring new markets. Looking for funding and strategic expansion.
Established
4+ years strong, with steady revenue, a solid customer base, and a strategic leadership focus for long-term success.
What we offer
- Business Basics training
- Business Handycard
- Cheque
- Corporate Online
- Internet Banking
- Mobile App
- Internet Banking
- Mobile App
- Women Entrepreneur Grant
- Mentoring with Westpac Fiji senior leaders
- Business Basics training for Start-ups
- Business Handycard
- Cheque
- Cheque
- Corporate Online
- Internet Banking
- Mobile App
- EFTPOS
- Internet Payment Gateway
- Overdraft facility
- Visa Credit Cards
- Business Term Loan
- Networking with other business leaders
- Internet Banking
- Mobile App
- EFTPOS
- Internet Payment Gateway
- Overdraft facility
- Visa Credit Card
- Business Term Loan
- Networking with other business leaders
Female founders who have grown with us
Ashmita Chand (Seed stage) entrepreneurial idea began to take shape after she left her corporate career to focus on motherhood. Inspired by her passion and drawing on her experience, she is now developing a sustainable jewellery and accessories business specialising in Indian weddings, operating from home and entirely online. With no initial capital, Ashmita is exploring ways to grow her business and has recently expanded her idea to include home-based sweets, savouries, and pickles. As the first businesswoman in her family, she credits Westpac Fiji’s free business basics and financial literacy trainings for giving her the confidence and skills to start her journey. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, Ashmita embodies the multitasking strength of women as she takes her first steps as a founder.
Priyanshu Ranisha’s (Startup) story is one of resilience and breaking new ground as the first female entrepreneur in her family. Supported by Westpac’s Women and Girls Education Grant, which she earned after writing about her mother’s inspiring resilience, Priyanshu launched her business during unemployment. The grant enabled her to invest in essential supplies and scale her operations. Passionate about empowering women to be independent, she believes that strong female role models pave the way for a more gender-equal world. Sustainability is central to her business, with products designed to last and create lasting value.
Anna Chan’s (Growth) journey started in her kitchen as a home baker with a dream. With Westpac Suva branch as an early supporter and customer, she accessed financial resources that helped her grow beyond home baking. Today, Anna owns 4 Forks Bistro at Suva Flea Market, employing an all-women team and fostering a culture of empowerment. She is committed to supporting other women entrepreneurs, believing that when women lift each other up, communities grow stronger, and futures become brighter.
Marjorie Whippy (Established) transitioned from a social worker supporting vulnerable children to pursuing her passion for cooking and serving. After running a café at Pure Fiji, she evolved her business into “Three Places,” named after her children whose faces inspire her daily. As the first business owner in her family, Marjorie leads an all-women team and focuses on catering events to balance work with family life. She believes women’s ability to manage family responsibilities makes them exceptional business leaders and embraces the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with resilience and confidence.
Frequently asked questions
The Supporting Female Founders Program is an initiative by Westpac Fiji to help women entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their business. The program offers financial support, training, mentorship, and networking opportunities tailored to each stage of a business journey.
Visit the dedicated webpage for Female Founders grants, loans and education content for more information on entry requirements and terms and conditions.
Seed
You’re refining your concept, exploring the market, and preparing to register your business. Likely self-funded and taking the first steps.
Start-up
Your business is operational! Focused on brand recognition, attracting customers, and managing cash flow to sustain growth.
Growth
2-3 years in business, scaling operations, hiring, and exploring new markets. Looking for funding and strategic expansion.
Established
4+ years strong, with steady revenue, a solid customer base, and a strategic leadership focus for long-term success.
The grant is open to all female residents of Fiji who identify as female entrepreneurs with an existing micro, small, or medium-sized business that has been operational for at least six months. Applicants must own at least 51% of the business or lead/manage a business with at least 20% ownership and hold a senior executive position.
Yes, employees and contractors of Westpac and their immediate families are not eligible to enter.
Applicants must complete an entry form with their name, address, and contact details, answer all questions in the application form, demonstrate a commitment to growth with a clear business plan and vision, and include a copy of a valid ID.
A valid ID such as a Driver’s License, Electronic Voter ID, FNPF/FRCS Joint ID, or Passport must be included with the application.
The deadline for entries is 30 September 2025. Entries received after this date will not be eligible.
No, multiple entries are not permitted. Any extra entries from the same applicant will be rendered ineligible.
A total of 5 grants will be awarded, each with a maximum value of FJ$5,000.
Judging will take place between 1 October 2025 and 1 December 2025. The Judges’ decision is final, and no correspondence will be entertained.
If a finalist’s business goes into bankruptcy, voluntary administration, receivership, or liquidation, they must inform the event organizers and may no longer be a finalist. The next highest-scoring finalist will replace them.
If a finalist’s business goes into bankruptcy, voluntary administration, receivership, or liquidation, they must inform the event organizers and may no longer be a finalist. The next highest-scoring finalist will replace them.
The grant amount will be deposited into a Westpac bank account in the winner’s name.
Recipients may need to declare the grant for taxation purposes and should seek independent financial advice regarding any tax payable on the grant.
Recipients must participate in publicity events associated with the program and consent to the use of their names and likenesses in advertisements, articles, and media releases.
The Sponsor reserves the right to cancel the program without liability if it cannot run as planned due to reasons such as equipment failure or other issues affecting the competition’s integrity.
Recipients must use the funds within the duration of the grant program and remain in ownership or leadership of their business. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of the grant.