The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs is Launched in Belize City

They’ve unsuccessfully applied for the U.S. funded program in the past, but this year, Peacework Director, Doctor Carol Babb was able to launch the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in Belize. The program gives enterprising women the knowledge, network and access needed to launch and improve successful businesses. Today, at the Holy Redeemer Credit Union’s Conference Room, the program was officially launched to assist single women in south side Belize City. News Five’s Duane Moody reports.

Duane Moody, Reporting

Thirty-five women from south side Belize City have been successfully chosen to participate in the first-ever Academy for Women Entrepreneurs – an initiative being launched in Belize that offers mentorship, education and resources to empower women entrepreneurs.

Carol Babb

Dr. Carol Babb, Director, Peacework (Belize)

“We did apply to be honest at first and didn’t get it, but we are women, we are resilient, we don’t give up, we don’t drop on the ground and then don’t get up. We finally got it and so this is history for us. Belize has never gotten the AWE program ever. It’s all over the world and so this is a big thing for us and I am extremely appreciative of the US Embassy for helping us to support women so that they can find themselves in this country, so that they can develop financial stability so that they can take care of themselves, their children. It will also reduce poverty and financial dependency.”

The program is eight weeks long and is a partnership between the US Embassy in Belize, Peacework Belize and the Belizean alumni of the State Department. Ambassador Michelle Kwan says that it’s inspiring.

Michelle Kwan

Michelle Kwan, US Ambassador to Belize

“It’s an incredible eight-week program; it’s a hybrid approach which is in-person and online so there is a lot of flexibility. But it is setting them up for economic success. AWE is actually an initiative that has been supported by the State Department, but it is in over eighty countries worldwide and I hope it continues because it is really changing and giving the experience to these women who have ideas, have dreams, but really trying to figure out how to go from point A to point B, to starting a business. From all the eight weeks of learning and it really gives them the tools that they need. It aligns really well with our national strategy of women’s empowerment, but women’s equity and equality across the board.”

Duane Moody

“One of the things I know you focus on is the youth and we’re seeing a lot of young women being a part of the program as well.”

Michelle Kwan

“Well I think that these programs, these exchanges are really powerful. Not only that, it is the alums from previous exchanges and now empowering the next generation. And that’s what I was thinking about as I was saying in my remarks. I look around the room and next year, I expect some of you to come back to also inspire the next. And by being here, it is empowering themselves, their communities and this country.”

The program will be held for successive Saturdays and will focus on financial literacy, social/emotional learning, entrepreneurship and sewing skills. At the end of the program, all participants will receive a Brother sewing machine and materials to help them start up their business.

Verenise Rodriguez

Verenise Rodriguez, Participant

“I know about sewing but not much, because my grandma used to sew and she used to do pretty thing, like decoration and all kinda thing. Unfortunately, she is not here anymore and I didn’t learn from her so now I could get this, learn sewing and before I go look for people to sew, I can do it for myself and others in my community. It was hard to find a seamstress to sew my daughter’s uniform. So before I looking and spending, I could do it for myself and ask the community, if they need sewing, I can do it.”

Stephanie Gray

Stephanie Gray, Participant

“I have never sewn before but it’s a learning thing. So it is something that I am exciting to learn.”

Duane Moody

“So make your own money?”

Stephanie Gray

“That’s true. For me, September and this time of the year are busy time for us so you’ll see us selling different nachos and wings and we go to all these events and participate. So being an entrepreneur is all part of it.”

The program is valued at forty-two thousand Belize dollars. Duane Moody for News Five.