Siuhuu Empowers Small Businesses in Fiji with Digital Marketplace Workshops

Siuhuu, a platform designed to connect small businesses to global markets, recently concluded a series of successful workshops across Fiji, bringing hope and new opportunities to local entrepreneurs. Led by its founder, Akanesi Kaufusi, Siuhuu traveled to Savusavu, Taveuni, and Suva, engaging with women and small business owners eager to expand their reach beyond local sales.

Savusavu: A Market Limited by Local Reach

The first stop was Savudrodro village in Savusavu, where Siuhuu held workshops with local women artisans on the 10th of February. Participants expressed their biggest challenge: limited access to markets. Currently, their handcrafted goods are only sold within Savusavu due to the absence of an online selling platform. Additionally, women at the Savusavu Handicrafts Center voiced frustration about the time-consuming nature of waiting all day for potential sales.

Hearing about Siuhuu brought renewed hope. Many saw it as a solution to sell their products from home while managing their daily responsibilities. One woman even described it as “the answer to her prayers.” The platform’s promise of providing a digital marketplace meant they could now reach buyers beyond their island, potentially transforming their small businesses into thriving enterprises.

Taveuni: Expanding Possibilities for Entrepreneurs

From Savusavu, Siuhuu made its way to Taveuni, where women entrepreneurs gathered for another eye-opening session on the 13th of February. One determined woman traveled by boat from Qamea Island just to attend, eager to find solutions for listing her accommodation business online. She shared how she struggled with Airbnb’s complexity but found Siuhuu’s process far more accessible and user-friendly.

Excitement filled the workshop as women recognized the potential Siuhuu offers, not just for them, but for men in their communities as well. Many talented artisans in Taveuni specialize in carving and other crafts but lack a platform to showcase their work. Now, with Siuhuu, they have a new pathway to visibility and income.

An unexpected idea also emerged during the session: listing church and community halls on Siuhuu for hire. Participants saw the potential for renting out these spaces for weddings, funerals, birthdays, workshops, and other functions, allowing people to book directly through the platform. This innovation could inject new economic opportunities into local villages, creating more business and jobs for Fijians.

Suva: Digital Marketing for Cultural and Artistic Entrepreneurs

Siuhuu’s final workshop took place in Suva, in collaboration with the Fiji Arts Council, ITaukei Trust Fund Board (TTFB), and other key stakeholders on the 26th and the 27th of February. The two-day event at Talanoa Lounge brought together over 50 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the cultural and arts sector, emphasizing the power of online marketing in expanding global reach. With a large turnout, the sessions were filled with valuable insights, not only for small businesses but also for Siuhuu itself, as it gathered constructive feedback to refine its platform.

The workshop was opened by Aisake Taito, CEO of TTFB, who acknowledged the long-standing absence of a secure online marketplace for Fijian artisans. He noted that this lack of accessibility had stifled economic opportunities and cultural exchange. “Our cultural producers have lacked a platform that ensures both safety and accessibility for buying and selling their products and services. This gap in the digital landscape has hindered economic opportunities and cultural exchange. And Siuhuu provides that solution,” he stated.

The session addressed key logistical challenges, including the high cost of shipping handicrafts overseas and the complex customs and biosecurity processes. Representatives from Fiji Customs, Biosecurity Authority, Post Fiji, and DHL Fiji provided insights into navigating these challenges. The Ministry of Trade highlighted available grants for entrepreneurs, while the Consumer Council of Fiji educated participants on safeguarding themselves from online scams.

Ensuring product quality was another key concern. Entrepreneurs recognized that delivering high-quality goods would strengthen Fiji’s reputation in the global marketplace. As a result of this workshop, Siuhuu is now in discussions with DHL Fiji and Post Fiji to establish a more efficient logistics partnership that benefits small businesses.

Certificates were issued to participants at the close of the workshop, including one entrepreneur who traveled from Labasa to attend, reflecting the strong interest in digital solutions among Fijian small businesses.

A Vision for the Future

Reflecting on the workshops, Akanesi Kaufusi expressed gratitude for the experience and the opportunity to connect with Fijian entrepreneurs. “I’ve learned so much from these small businesses, and I am committed to making Siuhuu a better platform for Fiji and the Pacific.” She reiterated her vision to elevate Siuhuu to a global level, empowering small businesses across the region to thrive.

She emphasized the importance of collaboration: “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” By working together, she believes they can bridge the gap between Pacific entrepreneurs and the global market.

Encouraging entrepreneurs to dream big, she added: “Anything is possible if we believe. The Pacific is a huge market, and with the right support, we can take Siuhuu to new heights and unlock new opportunities for small businesses worldwide.”

With this momentum, Siuhuu’s impact in Fiji marks just the beginning of a larger movement to transform the Pacific into a competitive force in global e-commerce.

A big Vinaka vakalevu to the Fiji Arts Council, its Director, Mr. Maciusela Raitaukala, and their staff, as well as the iTaukei Trust Fund Board, CEO Aisake Taito, Senior Programme Specialist Unaisi Manulevu, and their staff for their efforts and collaboration with Siuhuu in delivering this successful two-day workshop.