The Office of the Prime Minister, in collaboration with the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), is excited to announce the return of the National MSME Roadshow (NMR) in 2024. Following the success of its inaugural edition in 2022, the NMR will travel to 12 locations across Belize, providing crucial technical and financial support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.
The program was officially launched on Thursday, June 13, at the Gala Lounge in Orange Walk. The opening ceremony featured presentations, panel discussions, and remarks from the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. John Briceno. The National MSME Roadshow aims to achieve several key objectives:
Fostering a supportive environment for MSME growth
Enhancing market access and facilitating business connections
Promoting local procurement and advocating for Buying Belizean to stimulate economic recovery
Encouraging government procurement of Belizean MSME goods and services
Facilitating access to financing for MSMEs
Strengthening the business acumen of MSME owners
The inaugural National MSME Roadshow held in Orange Walk saw significant participation, with over 60 businesses involved in the three-day event. Activities included a Boot Camp offering comprehensive small business development training, a B2B panel discussion named TwoCan Talk, a Formalization Clinic providing information and support from key government agencies and financial institutions, an expo called Buy Belizean Expo for MSME sales and product showcasing, and a Business Pitch Competition offering $2,500 in seed capital to a participating MSME.
The program's success is made possible through the support of sponsors including the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the UNDP, Digi, Social Security Board, Cementos Progreso Belize Ltd., Smart, DFC, and the National Bank of Belize.
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