Deadline Date: April 06, 2026
The Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project (BEEP) provides access to financial resources and business leadership skills to 95 MSMEs in Belize.
The programme aims to assist 22 startup MSMEs in developing into innovative and growing enterprises capable of competing in domestic, regional, and international markets while also supporting startups facing economic challenges due to high inflation and global disruptions, with a particular focus on businesses within the blue, green, and orange economy.
The initiative provides comprehensive support through capacity building and business advising, ensuring that selected applicants receive customized training to develop business models, investment plans, and cash flow strategies. They also assign advisors to guide shortlisted applicants throughout the process, helping them strengthen their operations and scale effectively.
A key component of the programme is the startup grant, which offers a non-reimbursable funding amount of BZD $5,000 to 22 selected startup businesses. This funding is intended to help enterprises manage working capital needs, acquire essential equipment and tools, develop prototypes, invest in marketing and branding, and improve business infrastructure. However, the grant cannot be used for expenses incurred prior to approval, debt repayment, salaries, financial investments, unrelated assets, or personal expenses.
The programme supports a range of sectors including aquaculture, agriculture, agro-processing, tourism, renewable energy, IT and communication services, light manufacturing, professional services, and creative industries such as music, arts, crafts, film, design, and literature. Certain business types, including retail shops, salons, transport services, and others, are not eligible for funding.
To be eligible, applicants must be startup enterprises operating for less than three years with an innovative model and potential to scale. Businesses must be 100% Belizean-owned, and applicants must be at least 18 years old. They should demonstrate the ability to manage production and demand, incorporate innovation or technology, and align with environmental and social sustainability principles, with financial need also being an important consideration.
For more information, visit Beltraide.
