Don't call it a bank because the Youth Business Trust will do more than just lend money to young entrepreneurs. In fact the program which was launched today will primarily focus on helping young people set up and develop their new business with the help of mentors in the private sector. The trust is being implemented by the Belize Business Bureau with funding from the Youth Start Plan, UNDP, and the British Department for International Development. The Programme's Manager Maxine Goddard says they will work with young entrepreneurs from start to finish.
Maxine Goddard, Programme Manager
"We are not giving grants away but we are here to provide and facilitate them access money to the banks, through the credit unions, and so they have the start-up capital to start the business. Now the program is here for the young entrepreneur to create the business, develop, and sustain. So we're here for the long run with the entrepreneurs to make sure their business is successful. So we're not just helping them out in the beginning and leaving them to sink or swim."
At today's launch 20 entrepreneurs and 15 mentors were inducted into the Youth Business Trust. You can become a part of the trust by contacting the Youth Enterprise Project office on Albert Street.
