Women Mean Business: BCCI Forum Focuses on Financing Growth

The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), in partnership with the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), hosted its 4th Annual Women’s Empowerment Forum today in Belize City. The event brought together entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, policymakers and development partners from across the country.

Held under the theme “From Survival to Scale: Financing Women for Growth,” the forum focused on expanding access to capital and strengthening the economic participation of women in Belize.

The agenda featured panel discussions on transitioning women-owned businesses from informal to sustainable enterprises, improving access to finance, workplace inclusion, harassment prevention, and leveraging digital innovation for business growth.

BCCI Chief Executive Officer Kim Aikman said the forum has evolved into a critical platform for connecting women with tools, networks and funding pathways. “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.”

A highlight of the event was the Women’s $1,000 Grant Competition, where eight contestants pitched their businesses based on their story, funding plan and financial performance. Two micro-enterprises, Oma Organix and My Cielo Blue, received the top scores and were awarded grant funding for their innovation and growth potential.