MSMEs Share Ideas at BELTRAIDE’s 7th EntreCon

Today, the Belize City Civic Center buzzed with excitement as owners and managers of micro, small, and medium enterprises gathered for BELTRAIDE’s seventh entrepreneurship convention. This event marked the grand finale of a year-long celebration of entrepreneurship month. Dubbed EntreCon 2024, the convention focused on the theme “Powering Small Businesses with Big Data and Artificial Intelligence.” News Five’s Marion Ali filed this report.

 

Marion Ali, Reporting

Today, BELTRAIDE wrapped up a year full of activities for micro, small, and medium enterprises. It all kicked off with a countrywide roadshow that connected small business owners with the formal sector, banks, and the advantages of using artificial intelligence (AI). BELTRAIDE’s Executive Director, Ishmael Quiroz, explained that the convention aimed to bring together everyone involved in micro, small, and medium businesses, along with public and private agencies that support business development.

 

Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director, BELTRAIDE

“The idea is to come together and share information, provide knowledge and a networking opportunity and have a space to reflect on a specific topic relevant to small business development. BELTRAIDE can always be contacted at www.BELTRAIDE.bz and we have continuous training support services on offer and please feel free to contact, become a client of the Small Business Development Centre and access the services that are available.”

 

Wilana Oldham, the owner of Hot Mama’s Belize, spoke at EntreCon today. She shared how her company has expanded over the years, adding more hot sauces and condiments to their lineup, all with the support and guidance of BELTRAIDE.

 

Wilana Oldham, Owner, Hot Mama’s Belize

“Over the years they have really helped me in so many different ways – going to trade shows, taking my product to trade shows, getting training, just opening up a lot of avenues for me, so I totally recommend any entrepreneur out there that’s considering, they must get involved with BELTRAIDE because they do bring a lot to the table.”

 

One of the hottest tools in concept and design development right now is artificial intelligence. Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde stepped in for Prime Minister John Briceno at today’s event. Hyde highlighted that AI can significantly boost small businesses, and the government is all in on promoting its use for this purpose.

Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister

“There’s so many things the government is doing where AI and big data is concerned for small businesses, and to give these businesses an opportunity to succeed, like, you can’t be left behind, you have to participate, you have to get with the program, so we have to embrace it, we have to navigate it, but we have to try to manage it too, because it can go wrong in a lot of ways, but it can do so many good.”

 

Individuals who want to start their own small business can contact BELTRAIDE for technical advice and guidance at www.BELTRAIDE.bz. Marion Ali for News Five.