BELTRAIDE awards entrepreneurs

Christine Smith

Wednesday, September 24, 2014. AARON HUMES Reporting:  A few weeks ago 14 young and not-so-young entrepreneurs who participated in the Emprende project co-sponsored by the Belize Trade and Investment Service (BELTRAIDE), the Center for the Promotion of Micro and Small Enterprises (CENPROMYPE) and the Republic of China (Taiwan) received up to $14,000 in seed capital for their businesses.

After months of training with the BELTRAIDE Small Business Development Centre in Belize City, the group had to present themselves to a panel and show how the seed capital will be invested to better their businesses.

They are expected to work toward exporting and showing their products across Belize and even in the international market. It is part of BELTRAIDE’s commitment to developing small business in Belize and making them competitive.

On Tuesday, the Emprende program formally came to an end with an award ceremony in Belize City.

Rebecca Stirm

Coordinator, Christine Smith says the remaining participants are no less worthy of help because they were not able to convince the panel to support their products, and in fact are still able to seek assistance through BELTRAIDE.

Fashion designer from Belmopan, Rebecca Stirm, says she worked very hard to build her plan for presentation and she learned a lot about being able to plan for business.

Stirm received $14,000 which she will use for investments in machinery, marketing and other essentials for Rebecca Stirm Clothing, her brand of women’s wear and design.

The first cohort of graduates emerged from the first round of the program in June to September of 2013, while the second round took place from April to August of 2014.

Products range from sauces, coconut water and wine to clothing, health and wellness and IT.

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