Pacific Makete

12/05/2026

Our next book club event on June 3 is a discussion with Banjara author, Shana Chandra. Set in Fiji, Aotearoa and India, Banjara is a reimagining of Indo-Fijian Girmitya history, told through the stories of two women over 100 years apart. Email us to book your spot! The cover charge includes shared snacks and tea.

10/05/2026

Pop-up markets have taken over Suva in recent years, and for many small businesses, they have become a critical part of their growth and success.

Pinoy Bakes is one of them. Eight years into the business, owner Melody Dival hopes her family can one day open their own coffee shop.But for those who are just starting their bakery business, she has some advice. Visit our website to learn more!

07/05/2026

Australian hardware giant Bunnings will soon launch a dedicated online store for customers in Fiji.

Bunnings already services wholesale clients in the Pacific, but will now offer some 20,000 products directly to customers, including MSMEs.

Australian hardware giant Bunnings will soon launch a dedicated online store for customers in Fiji. Bunnings already services wholesale clients in the Pacific, but will now offer some 20,000 products directly to customers, including MSMEs. Bunnings Managing Director, Mike Schneider, said: “We’ve...

04/05/2026

The Fiji Development Bank (FDB) has officially launched the 2025 National SME Awards.

The 2025 theme, “Ignite. Innovate. Inspire.”, reflects both the journey of SMEs and the vision for Fiji’s future. The Awards are open to businesses at all stages—from early startups to established enterprises.

Find out how to apply before the 31 May deadline at the Pacific Makete site.

04/05/2026

The Fiji Innovation Hub has officially launched Activator 2026, a nine-week programme designed to support local founders to turn ideas into tested, market ready solutions.
Founders are working on a wide range of projects including:
*a platform to facilitate investment by the Fiji diaspora back into the country
* financial literacy platforms for children through the use of a prepaid family card
*a system to allow easier trading on the stockmarket
* an eftpos machine that links to all banks
* bike sharing app Qaqi Mai
*a real-time payment reconciliation platform
*and, a mobile first platform that converts cash activity into verifiable financial records that can be used by MSMEs to secure bank loans.
More details over at the pacificmakete website.

28/04/2026

15/04/2026

Suva's CHEF PHILIPPE is going from strength to strength, and is now offering meeting facilities.

Noellie Garand reflects on what it took to build the business at Pacific Makete.

Noellie and her husband Philippe dreamt of opening an eatery that combines their French roots with Pacific flavours and cultures.

After seeing a Facebook post last year calling for interest in taking over the Mana Coffee café at Selbourne Street in Suva, the couple decided to take a chance on the turnkey business opportunity.

Read about what they learnt along the way and their advice to other businesses at our site today!

https://pacificmakete.com.fj/2026/02/23/entrepreneurs/chef-philippe/

07/04/2026

01/04/2026

“Did I make the right decision?” was a question Papua New Guinea-born fashion designer, Hilda Loii Mondo asked herself after launching her own label. Making clothes was just a hobby for Mondo, who emigrated to Fiji three years ago. In 2024, she decided to take a leap of faith.

Without any experience, Mondo embarked on a year-long journey to register her business, a process she says was only possible with the help of friends.

She shares her story as a designer and businesswoman at Pacific Makete.

Hilda Mondo shares her advice for aspiring designers By Jernese Macanawai “Did I make the right decision?” was a question Papua New Guinea-born fashion designer, Hilda Loii Mondo asked herself after launching her own label. Making clothes was just a hobby for Mondo, who emigrated to Fiji three y...

26/03/2026

In the lead up to the National Budget 2026–2027, public consultations will commence on March 30, inviting citizens, businesses, and stakeholders to share their views and priorities. Your input will help shape an inclusive and sustainable path for national development.