Enjoy Free Financial Literacy Trainings with Westpac
Grace by Cupcakes owner Lusiana Lomalagi attributes the growth of her small business to financial education she received at a Westpac Market over five years ago.
Since then she has watched her clientele grow and was even able to complete her education; graduating with a Bachelor in Accounting and Economics in 2016.
“The Westpac market really exposed my small business to new clients and propelled my business to grow. The free business basics financial training offered great insight into the importance of logos for a business, correct pricing for products and saving to name a few,” explained Lusiana.
Westpac offers two specific Financial Education Trainings; namely Financial First Steps and Business Basics, to Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), students, and to its customers, including employees of businesses across Fiji who bank with Westpac.
The training workshop covers a host of topics ranging from teaching entrepreneurs how to build a strong financial history in order to grow to assisting working adults with the basics of how to organise their finances and how to make and stick to a budget. Westpac Chief Executive Shane Smith said, “Research shows the importance of financial
stability as a wellness factor, and that much of our financial learning comes from the people around us, and the habits and attitudes we observe.
“So, we have been targeting our financial education to help university students build financial wellness as they prepare to start earning, offering financial education to our customers so their employees can build healthy habits and helping businesses to build a strong financial foundation that allows them to grow – which in turn helps provide more jobs and keep our economy growing.”
Recently, one of Westpac’s customers, the Hot Bread Kitchen – more than just bread, signed up for these workshops.
Their employees from Nadi and Lautoka met in their Namaka office and underwent the workshop and the company’s Managing
Director Mrs. Vanessa Charters said she was pleased with the result.
“The Hot Bread Kitchen has been delighted to coordinate with Westpac on workshops that help our valued staff adopt helpful habits and best practice for their personal financial management skills.
“We all contribute to our national economy. Our staff have given very positive feedback after attending the workshops. People who are empowered to control their own finances can make a difference for their families and for Fiji.”
Ulamila Naikawakawawaqa was one of the 29 participants present at the training and said she found it very useful.
“The training was interesting especially for me because it’s hard for me to save because of obligations.
“But now I am reminded to set my budget and live within my means as well,” Ulamila explained.
Her colleague Pule Saulagakali echoed her sentiments saying “This workshop was very interesting and it has also encouraged me to live within my own means.”
To schedule a training for your team or group, please contact westpacfiji@westpac. com.fj or call Eseta on 9995143.