BEEP Awards $110,000 to 22 Belizean Startups
Twenty-two Belizean startups have secured a combined BZ$110,000 in seed funding through the Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project (BEEP), providing a financial boost to emerging businesses across several sectors.
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The latest round of funding, announced by the Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project, follows a competitive pitch evaluation process and marks the final Startup Cohort under the program. Each successful business will receive BZ$5,000 in seed capital to help strengthen operations, expand market opportunities, and accelerate growth.
The 22 recipients represent a broad cross-section of Belize’s entrepreneurial landscape, including businesses in the creative industries, agriculture, tourism, agro-processing, professional services, light engineering and manufacturing, and information technology.
Women-led businesses make up the majority of the cohort, with 15 of the 22 recipients, or 68 percent, reflecting the program’s continued focus on supporting women entrepreneurs.
Funded by the CARICOM Development Fund and implemented by BELTRAIDE, BEEP aims to equip micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with business development training, mentorship, and financial support.
BELTRAIDE Board Chair Narda Garcia said the initiative demonstrates the value of collaboration between government, financial institutions, and private-sector partners in strengthening Belize’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Executive Director Ishmael Quiroz described entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and job creation.
Before approving the latest cohort, BEEP had already supported 73 MSMEs, including exporters, maturing businesses, and startups, with approximately BZ$678,000 in funding.