By Zoila Palma: Today, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), in collaboration with the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) hosted its 4th Annual Women’s Empowerment Forum at the Belize City Civic Center.
Held under the theme “From Survival to Scale: Financing Women for Growth,” this year’s forum brought together an inspiring cross-section of entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, policymakers, and development partners for a dynamic morning of dialogue, collaboration, and actionable insight.
The BCCI noted that the forum featured a robust agenda of expert-led panel discussions addressing some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing women today: From Informal to Influential: Elevating women-owned businesses into sustainable enterprises, Access to Finance: Exploring persistent barriers and practical financing solutions, The Silent Career Stage: Addressing menopause, health, and workplace inclusion, Psychological Safety & Harassment Prevention: Advancing respectful, equitable work environments, and Entrepreneurship & Digital Opportunity: Leveraging innovation for growth and expansion.
Special remarks were given by CEO Narda Garcia – Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Investment & Civil Aviation.
CEO Garcia spoke on the importance of intentionally building the capacity, access to finance, and support systems that allow women to scale, compete, and lead with confidence in the economy.
In her remarks, BCCI CEO – Kim Aikman, emphasized the evolution of women’s entrepreneurship in Belize from necessity-driven ventures to growth-oriented enterprises stating that, “Since the onset of the initiative, the forum has served as a critical platform to connect women with the tools, networks, and financial pathways needed to scale their businesses and strengthen their economic impact. Empowering Women is not simply a social cause-it is an economic imperative.”
This year’s theme underscores a pivotal shift: moving beyond survival toward sustainable growth, investment readiness, and long-term success for women-led enterprises.
A highlight of the forum was the Women’s $1,000 Grant Competition, in which 8 women contestants competed based on their business story, funding plan, and profit and loss snapshot. Two micro, women-owned businesses: Oma Organix and My Cielo Blue, achieved the top scores and were awarded the grant prizes. Winners were selected for their innovation, vision, and potential to scale. Attendees also experienced a vibrant cultural moment with a musical performance by Belizean Soca Queen – Ernestine Carballo, celebrating the creativity and spirit of Belizean women.
The event concluded with a renewed call to action, urging stakeholders across finance, government, and industry to continue expanding access, removing barriers, and fostering inclusive economic ecosystems where women can thrive.
The Women’s Empowerment Forum continues to grow as a flagship initiative of the BCCI, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for meaningful change. The Chamber remains committed to supporting policies, partnerships, and programs that empower women and strengthen Belize’s economic future.
The chamber thanked sponsors: Taiwan Embassy, BELTRAIDE, Finance Belize, Financial Services Commission (FSC), NVision, Courts (Belize) Ltd., and Santiago Castillo Ltd., Fort George Hotel & Spa, GraceKennedy Belize Ltd., and Madisco.
The post Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosts 4th annual Women’s Empowerment Forum appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Today, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), in collaboration with the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) hosted its 4th Annual Women’s Empowerment Forum at the Belize City Civic Center. Held under the theme “From Survival to Scale: Financing Women for Growth,” this year’s forum brought together an inspiring cross-section of entrepreneurs,
The post Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosts 4th annual Women’s Empowerment Forum appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
