By Belize Live News Staff: The Office of the Prime Minister, through BELTRAIDE and with funding from the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), launched the Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project (BEEP). The project aims to provide financial and educational support to 95 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Belize.
BEEP will address challenges faced by MSMEs by offering business skills training, improving financial literacy, and enhancing digital capabilities. The project will focus on supporting startups, maturing businesses, and exporters, with a particular emphasis on youth and women in rural areas.
The project will be implemented over two years, with three cohorts of MSMEs receiving training, grants, and ongoing support. Grants ranging from BZ$5,000 to BZ$20,000 will be awarded based on the business’s stage of development.
Prime Minister John Briceno delivered the keynote address at the launch event. Remarks were also given by Mr. Rodinald Soomer (CEO of CDF), Mrs. Narda Garcia (CEO in the Office of the Prime Minister and Chair of BELTRAIDE), and Dr. Leroy Almendarez (Executive Director of BELTRAIDE).
The BEEP initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the growth and development of Belize’s MSME sector, fostering economic empowerment and resilience across the country.