The James Belgrave Micro Enterprise Development Fund (BELfund), 2023 island-wide outreach marketing initiative designed to promote self-employment and job creation opportunities for unemployed and under-employed low-income individuals across Saint Lucia is closing off the year on a high.
The latest outreach activity for the 2023 calendar year is scheduled for Friday, December 15, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The engaging event invites all aspiring entrepreneurs and those looking to expand their small businesses to converge on Constitution Park in the heart of the capital, Castries.
BELfund is dedicated to providing financial support, offering up to $30,000 with a flexible payment plan to facilitate the dreams and aspirations of the local community.
 “Belfund has been in existence for over 20 years. However, people seem to have forgotten about our services, so we are attempting to raise awareness and meet potential clients halfway. We are going into the communities and conducting the first interviews on the spot to expedite the application and process.” Denise Mauricette, Belfund’s Marketing Officer, emphasized this.
Recognizing that not everyone may have readily available capital or assets to offer as collateral for loans, BELfund is committed to supporting employed and unemployed individuals by assisting them in meeting the minimum requirements for loan eligibility.
“Upon evaluating our walking, we realize that many individuals were turned away because they still had a form of employment. However, the board of directors realized there was a need to make an avenue for under-employed persons who could not face the banks. Therefore, a decision has been taken to allow employed low-income individuals access to our financial services,” noted Mauricette.
Setting itself apart from traditional financial institutions, BELfund supports businesses in all legal categories, including service and trade, retail and distribution, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, animal husbandry, agri-business, and agro-processing.
This inclusive approach demonstrates BELfund’s commitment to fostering a diverse and thriving business landscape for the poor and vulnerable on the island.
SOURCE: Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment
