Meet Belize’s Next Generation of Bosses

Who says future CEOs have to wear suits and sit in offices? A group of ambitious young Belizeans is proving that leadership starts with learning and a little teamwork. The Youth Managers Training Program officially launched in March, with a mix of virtual and in-person workshops designed to help youth take charge of their futures.

This program is a joint effort between the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and Resilient Rural Belize (RRB), under the Ministry of Economic Transformation. It’s all about giving young people the tools to run cooperatives, launch businesses, and lead with confidence, especially in farming communities across Belize.

The first module includes five courses, covering everything from budgeting basics to business strategy and even writing a killer proposal. Participants are learning how to negotiate contracts, plan for success, and manage their money like pros.

The program is part of a larger six-year initiative funded by IFAD, the Green Climate Fund, and the Government of Belize, designed to build resilience in rural communities, especially against climate and economic shocks.