Businesswomen receive grants to support their small enterprises

Ten women who took part in a Female Entrepreneurship Program have received seed funding to begin or continue their own small businesses. On Tuesday, the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), with support from the Taiwan Government, handed over checks valued at four thousand dollars to each of the women. The money came from the Angel Fund, created by Taiwan for this specific program and designed exclusively for women. During the program, the women also received practical advice tools to identify and take advantage of business opportunities. Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize, David Kuan-Chou Chien expressed his hope that the money will help to improve the livelihoods of the recipients, while C.E.O. in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amalia Mai, explained that there had to be a selection process, and recipient, Martha Cholom expressed her gratitude.

David Kuan-Chou Chien

David Kuan-Chou Chien, Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize

“By creating the Angel Fund we hope that more female entrepreneurs in Belize can be supported and inspired to bravely run their business and help empower women and revive their micro, small, and medium enterprises in Belize.”

Amalia Mai

Amalia Mai, C.E.O., Ministry of Foreign Affairs

“MSMEs were especially hard hit during the pandemic, particularly those headed by women and youth. So many have applied but we have to be a little selective, and there’s always another phase to this project, so keep on trying.”

Martha Cholom

Martha Cholom, Recipient of funding

“I made the sacrifice to attend all of thee trainings because I had to leave my place, it’s like nine and a half miles off the main highway. I have learned so many things during these trainings, for example, how to do a business model, (I received) financial management training, equality in women and gender equality, so I have gained so much knowledge.”