Starting June 11, 2026, one of the most anticipated regional gatherings for emerging Caribbean business leaders is underway in Belize, hosted by the U.S. Department of State. The three-day forum brings together alumni of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), a long-running U.S. government program designed to empower rising entrepreneurs across the Western Hemisphere. Far more than a simple networking event, the forum creates a collaborative space for attendees to exchange innovative strategies, forge cross-border partnerships, and refine the business skills they began developing during their YLAI exchange programs in the United States.
Speaking on the ground at the event, Katharine Beamer, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Belize, outlined the core mission of the gathering. “This week we are hosting young entrepreneurs from across the Caribbean, right here in Belize,” Beamer explained. “As part of the multi-year YLAI program, this alumni meeting gives participants from across the region the chance to strengthen their professional networks, boost their business acumen, share on-the-ground experiences, and reflect on the knowledge they gained during their exchange fellowships in the U.S.”
For many participating entrepreneurs, the long-term value of YLAI extends far beyond the initial fellowship period, thanks to ongoing mentorship and community building. Ronelli Requena, founder of Belize-based brand Zayvha Sarai, shared how the program’s mentorship model transformed her approach to business. “A lot of us go it alone as entrepreneurs and feel like we’re navigating the journey on our own,” Requena said. “Through YLAI, I was matched with an incredible mentor who taught me how to build structured operational processes, turn my business into a truly sustainable venture, and find the work-life balance that so many founders struggle to achieve.”
Michelle Samuel, owner of MNS Consultancy, emphasized the transformative mindset YLAI has cultivated among its network of young leaders. “What sets entrepreneurs apart from most people is that when we encounter a problem, we don’t fixate on the challenge—we focus on building solutions, and exploring every possible path to get there,” Samuel said. “That’s the core lesson YLAI teaches us, captured perfectly in its tagline: don’t wait for change, create it.”
Established to address the unique barriers facing emerging entrepreneurs in the Americas, YLAI provides up-and-coming founders with targeted training, access to capital networks, cross-regional connection opportunities, and ongoing professional support to help their businesses scale and deliver positive impact in their local communities. This year’s Belize forum marks another milestone in the program’s work to unlock the economic potential of young business leaders across the Caribbean.