YBTB seeks young innovators for business development program

Written by Editor

Wednesday, 03 June 2009 06:08

As YBTB enters its third year of operation, the young organization is as eager as ever to enter young and innovative entrepreneurs into the program. The program starts with a youth, age 18-35, with a business idea and from there the possibilities are endless.

“The first step is to get them in the door,” explains Dionne Miranda, YBTB’s Project Director. “From there, we work with them to refine their business plans and prepare them to be reviewed by our credit committee.” The credit committee makes the decision on if the young entrepreneur is eligible for startup capital in the form of loans.

YBTB not only provides initial funding for eligible entrepreneurs, but also provides assistance along the way. The YBTB members receive training, technical assistance, and -most importantly- a mentor. The mentor meets with the entrepreneur monthly and guides the young person’s business on the road to success.

The perfect example of a Belizean youth who has traveled the road to success is Ivonne Escobar, who with the help of YBTB, started Bright Star, a retail clothing store on New Road. In addition to running a successful enterprise, Escobar has been recognized for her entrepreneurial spirit and hard work. Through the Inner City 100 Summit in Boston, Massachusetts, she received the Growing Up CEO Award in 2008, presented to her at the Harvard Business School. In 2009 another of YBTB’s entrepreneurs received recognition from the Inner City 100 Summit. Ricardo Gongora was the lucky recipient of this year’s Growing Up CEO Award.

“With the international economic crisis on everyone’s minds, we want the youth of Belize to know that there still are opportunities available and accessible,” says Miranda.

Persons 18 to 35 years of age can reach Youth Business Trust Belize by e-mail, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; by phone, 227-1356; or in person, 57 Albert/Prince Street, 2^nd Floor Doony’s Bldg., Suite 3, Belize City, Belize. Office hours are: 8:30a.m. – 12:00 noon and 1:30p.m. – 4:30p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, Fridays until 4:00p.m.

Those who have pledged their commitment to the program, which is being funded by the Inter American Development Bank, have made a serious investment in the future of Belize. The program, which follows the Youth Business International model started by Prince Charles of Wales, boasts of a vast network of about thirty seven countries worldwide.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 03 June 2009 13:38