Dare to Dream Big

Overview

Entrepreneurs face a series of obstacles to fully develop their business capacities such as economic factors that can limit opportunities to equitable access into markets and to have time for personal development.

In response to this problem, in August of 2021, the Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust (BNECT) and the Belize Institute for Service Excellence, Leadership and Research (BISELaR) prioritized a strategy to strengthen business management capacities of entrepreneurs by providing capacity building and specialized advisory. The entrepreneurs who successfully complete the capacity building stage will improve their business models, improve their products and services, customer loyalty, and validate access to new markets. Participants will also be eligible to compete for funding to implement their business initiatives.

Who can benefit from this program?

Micro, Small and Medium (MSMEs) from all business sectors who have innovative ideas at the idea stage or new start-up (less than 1 year) to further develop those ideas in a setting that will allow for innovation, inspiration, and exploration.

How much can one business access under this program?

A business can access up to $10,000 in seed funding under the Dare to Dream Big Program.

What can the funds be used for?

Five selected entrepreneurs can receive seed funding not exceeding a sum of TEN THOUSAND dollars (BZ $10,000) to start their small business or to finance the growth phase of their business.  

What is the application process?

To apply for the Dare to Dream Big Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program, click here and complete the application form.   

Criteria for Applicants

Applicants must:

  1. Applicant must be a Belizean citizen
  2. Legal persons whose businesses are duly registered or legal persons whose businesses are not registered but have the intention of registering
  3. Entrepreneurs who have innovative ideas at the idea stage or new start-up (less than 1 year)
  4. Entrepreneurs must not have any criminal record
  5. Entrepreneurs must not have a relationship of consanguinity or affinity with employees of BNECT, unless its second grade
  6. Entrepreneurs must not have pending contractual commitments with BNECT
  7. Entrepreneurs must have time availability to participate in the program for 6 months

Dare to Dream Big Awardees

Dare to Dream Big 2022 Awardees

Dare to Dream Big 2022 Awardees Canopy SoilCanopy Soil is a start-up whose organic product is specifically for the enhancement [...]

Dare to Dream Big 2021 Awardees

Dare to Dream Big 2021 Awardees The BELIZE Natural Energy Charitable Trust (BNECT) announced its Dare to Dream Big Program [...]

Our Focus

Grant Funding

The Trust provides funding to organizations and individual projects/programs that are aimed at the empowerment of people and community.

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Student Loan Program

Since 2009, the BELIZE Natural Energy Charitable Trust has partnered with various credit unions countrywide in its National Student Loan Program.

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Dare to Dream BIG

The Trust has prioritized a strategy to strengthen business management capacities of entrepreneurs by providing capacity building and specialized advisory.

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