In June of 2019, Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), through the Small Business Development Centre Belize (SBDCBelize), and Ya’axché Conservation Trust (Ya’axché) signed a consultancy agreement to partner in providing business development assistance to the Indian Creek Mayan Arts Women’s Group (ICMAWG) located in Indian Creek Village, Toledo District.

The partnership between BELTRAIDE and Ya’axché has allowed the organizations to join efforts in providing support geared towards community development and empowerment. In particular the Indian Creek Mayan Arts Women’s Group is receiving business development advisory services and capacity building via a tailored training program from SBDCBelize. The aim is to develop the capacity of the members, finalize structure of the group, improve the current business model and to establish a formal governing guide to be implemented for operations of the business from 2019-2021.