In September 2014, the Belmopan Active Youths (BAY) formally signed a two-year grant agreement for the establishment of its Job Creation and Entrepreneurship Development Project (JCED). The grant, which was valued at US$340,000.00, is the second grant the young organization has received under the U.S. State Department Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) Program. The two-year grant was officially launched in November 2014 and extended beyond Belmopan to the wider Cayo District – particularly marginalized communities - where it had a direct significant impact on approximately 150 youths.
Participants had the opportunity to participate in three programs: the Apprenticeship Program, the Job Skills Program, and the Entrepreneurship Development Program. All programs include an additional life skills component.

The JCED project was headed by Project Director, Mrs. Carren Williams. It was completed in April 2016.

Apprenticeship Program

60 marginalized youth from the Cayo District were identified and placed with established businesses in Belize. Apprentices were monitored and evaluated for the duration of their employment – a minimum of 12 months – with the hope of long-term job placement.

Job Skills Training Program
With the support of the Belize Enterprise for Sustainable Technology (BEST), BELTRAIDE’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC-Belize), Kindred Spirit Ministries, Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), and the Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET), 50 youth entrepreneurs were enrolled in technical and vocational job skills training programs. The top 10 successful participants further engaged in small business development mentoring and monitoring for a period of 12 months to kick-start their business ventures. In addition to training, these graduates were provided with the necessary tools and supplies to increase their chances of success.
Disciplines include but are not limited to cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical, mechanics, welding, plumbing, cosmetology, and massage therapy.

Entrepreneurship Development Program
30 youth leaders underwent the ‘Train-the-Trainer’ Certification in small business development. These leaders are expected to volunteer their time as facilitators for training workshops as well as mentor apprentices and the small business youth entrepreneurs supported by the project. These trainees became a vital asset to monitor the project performance indicators.