UK-funded Livelihoods Strategy and Action Plan project celebrates milestones in Belize
The UK FCDO granted $32 million to the UKCIF Coastal Road Upgrading Project to support economic resilience and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in Belize.
59 participants completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training Program and attended the ceremony held at Gales Point Village Primary School.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK FCDO), in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) of Belize, the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF), and The Belize Trade & Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), proudly highlights the achievements and upcoming milestones of the Livelihoods Strategy and Action Plan (LSAP) under the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF).
The UK FCDO provided a grant of $32 million to the UKCIF Coastal Road Upgrading Project. Via LSAP, this aims to build economic resilience and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in Gales Point Village and Mullins River Village in Belize.
Key achievements to date include:
- formalization and registration support for 80 Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including 43 female-owned and 37 male-owned businesses
- entrepreneurial development training for 72 participants of which 59 completed the certification
- an upcoming Buy Belizean exhibition in Dangriga Town on June 14, 2025, featuring 14 MSMEs and 6 formalization and support agencies
On May 24, 2025, a certificate ceremony was held at Gales Point Village Primary School to recognize the accomplishments of 59 participants who completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training Program. This training focused on sustainable, community-based business development and was facilitated by BELTRAIDE through its Small Business Development Centre (SBDCBelize).
Climate, Environment and Energy Officer & Caribbean Regional Lead, Zana Wade, representing the UK at the ceremony.
This milestone reflects the joint commitment of UK FCDO, CDB, MIDH, BSIF and BELTRAIDE to inclusive economic development, job creation, and community empowerment. The LSAP target was to support the formalization of 40 MSMEs; the actual number, 80 businesses, represents double the target, showcasing strong community engagement and a deepening commitment to entrepreneurship in both villages.