Joint Press Release

UNDP funds the design and launch of a virtual knowledge center that will support
e-learning, information sharing and B2B e-commerce

Belmopan, December 9, 2021 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Building Resilient MSMEs: Accelerating Digitization Project handed over $US54,637.69 of Information Communication Technology (ICT) Equipment to BELTRAIDE. UNDP donated 21 laptops, 2 printers, 2 projectors, audio visual equipment and accessories to build capacity of rural women, foster entrepreneurship and promote digitization to accelerate resilience and recovery in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

BELTRAIDE is currently holding its first Digital Transformation – Introduction to Technology for MSMEs Training to develop and enhance the technological skills of entrepreneurs and Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) so they can access BELTRAIDE’s Virtual Knowledge Center (VKC) and its Business to Business (B2B) Platform. The training was split into two groups of 10 participants each and held in the Toledo District at Punta Gorda Town on December 7, 2021, and in San Pedro Columbia on December 8, 2021.  Participants were comprised of women entrepreneurs, who are also taking part in the Female Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) and are members of groups led by the Women’s Department.  The trainings continued throughout rural areas of the country as part of the 16 Days of Activism to end gender-based violence by addressing the existing digital divide and empowering women with transformative skills.   Future trainings will also include youth to enhance their entrepreneurial skills. 

This initiative is funded by UNDP and demonstrates their commitment to assist BELTRAIDE in strengthening its national services to assist entrepreneurs and MSMEs to achieve economic prosperity and sustainability though entrepreneurial development, business innovation and competitiveness.

The End

For more information, please contact:

United Nations Development Programme:

Marilyn Pinelo-Lee, marilyn.lee@undp.org | Programme Officer

BELTRAIDE:

Debbie Alfaro, debbie@belizeinvest.org.bz  | Sr. Projects Officer