In a significant boost to Belize’s small business ecosystem, twenty-nine aspiring entrepreneurs each received substantial grants of $7,000 through the Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project (BEEP). The initiative, administered by BELTRAIDE with financial backing from the CARICOM Development Fund, addresses the critical challenges facing new business owners—from startup capital acquisition to strategic planning and network development.
BELTRAIDE CEO Nardia Garcia emphasized the program’s comprehensive approach, noting that BEEP has already distributed $475,000 in grants to forty-four micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in its first cohort alone. The selection process notably prioritized women-led ventures and businesses operating in rural communities, with special attention to enterprises within the orange, green, and blue economies.
The program distinguishes itself through its capacity-building framework. Recipients undergo rigorous five-week training in financial management, digital marketing, and investment planning before receiving funding. This educational component ensures entrepreneurs can effectively utilize grants for working capital, equipment acquisition, product development, or marketing initiatives.
Among the beneficiaries, Lucien Dawson of Effortless Memories event planning company described how BEEP helped formalize his business concept: ‘The program actually helped me to put my business on paper… developing a business model canvas enabled me to see what my business is and how I could expand upon it.’ Dawson plans to launch a website to access the destination wedding market.
The current cohort demonstrates BEEP’s commitment to inclusive growth—twenty-one recipients are women entrepreneurs and thirteen operate from rural communities. Two Hopkins-based business owners, Kenima Williams (Kenima’s Garifuna Cooking Class) and Selina Avila (Seemore Adventures dive shop), highlighted plans to expand their cultural tourism and diving operations respectively.
BELTRAIDE Executive Director Ishmael Quiroz confirmed ongoing support through the Small Business Development Center and partnerships with organizations like the Caribbean Export Development Agency. By project completion in 2026, BEEP is projected to have supported ninety-five MSMEs with approximately $800,000 in total funding, creating a lasting impact on Belize’s economic landscape.