By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): Twenty-two of Belize’s most promising young businesses are getting a serious financial boost, as the Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project (BEEP) announced the approval of grant funding under its Startup Cohort 2, with each selected business receiving $5,000 in seed capital.
The announcement, made by BELTRAIDE on July 7, marks another milestone for the programme, with a total of BZ$110,000 allocated to this final cohort. The businesses were chosen through a highly competitive and rigorous pitch evaluation process, and represent what BELTRAIDE calls the next generation of Belizean entrepreneurs poised to create jobs, strengthen local industries, and contribute to national economic development.
One statistic stands out. Of the successful recipients, fifteen are women-led and seven are men-led, meaning women account for sixty-eight percent of the cohort, a figure BELTRAIDE says reflects BEEP’s continued commitment to expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs and fostering a more inclusive business landscape.
The cohort spans a wide range of industries, with nine businesses in creative industries, three in agriculture, three in tourism, two in agro-processing, two in professional services, two in light engineering and manufacturing, and one in information technology. The strong showing from the creative sector reflects the programme’s strategic support for Belize’s Orange Economy.
The grants are designed to help participants strengthen daily operations, expand market opportunities, and accelerate growth. Funded by the CARICOM Development Fund, the initiative counts the National Institute of Culture and History, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Development Finance Corporation among its key partners.
Chair of the Board of Directors, Mrs. Narda Garcia, said, “The success we celebrate today is the result of strong partnerships and a shared commitment to entrepreneurship,” noting that collaboration among government, private-sector organizations, development partners, and financial institutions strengthened the selection process and Belize’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Executive Director Ishmael Quiroz added, “Entrepreneurship remains one of the strongest catalysts for inclusive economic growth, innovation, and job creation. Through the Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project, we are investing not only in individual businesses but in the long-term development of Belize’s MSME sector.”
Before this cohort, BEEP had already supported seventy-three MSMEs, comprising fifteen exporting companies, forty-four maturing companies, and fourteen start-ups, with approximately $678,000 disbursed.
The post 22 Belizean businesses just got $5,000 each in free seed money appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): Twenty-two of Belize’s most promising young businesses are getting a serious financial boost, as the Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project (BEEP) announced the approval of grant funding under its Startup Cohort 2, with each selected business receiving $5,000 in seed capital. The announcement, made by BELTRAIDE on July 7, marks another
The post 22 Belizean businesses just got $5,000 each in free seed money appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.