Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

Attention Belizean entrepreneurs.  Now's the time to apply to the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative.  The deadline to apply is February 25th.   Every year a handful of Belizeans get to meet other entrepreneurs from around the Americas while learning from each other.

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"The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program will bring together 260 business and social entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada for a virtual fellowship. From January to April 2021, fellows will complete the customized YLAI entrepreneurial curriculum, work with a U.S. host organization and collaborate with U.S. mentors to address shared business challenges.

The fellows represent 37 countries throughout the Western Hemisphere. They work in diverse industries including agriculture, clean energy, e-commerce, education, food and beverage, health care, hospitality, marketing and branding."

A hearty congratulations to the 4 Belizean leaders that were chosen to attend the 2018 YLAI in Detroit.  To Mervin, Lorcis, Fatima, and Kyle: Have a great time, and bring some entrepreneurial knowledge back home.

"Creating Economic Prosperity in the Jewel – Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative - YLAI Professional 2018 Fellows!

The U.S. Embassy is proud to announce the 2018 cohort of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Program from Belize. This program will take place in September-October and will bring 250 young leaders from 36 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to the United States.

Belize’s 2018 YLAI Fellows are: Lorcia Moore, owner and creator of Naturally Belize Coconut Products;
Mervin Budram, Jr., founder of TAS Belize Limited; Fatima Chi, founder of L3G's & Associates; and Kyle Kadeem Zuniga,
Developer, Creative Designer, and Marketer at BK Creative.

On September 17, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges hosted a networking event, themed “Building the YLAI Network—Creating Economic Prosperity in the Jewel,” introducing the 2018 YLAI cohort to previous participants, as well as representatives of the Government of Belize, local businesses, and non-profit organizations. Acting Prime Minister Patrick Faber delivered keynote remarks and engaged with the Fellows prior to their departure.

The five-week long YLAI Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of State, will place business and social entrepreneurs in small businesses, non-governmental organizations, and similar entities in 20 U.S. cities. The participants, hosted by U.S. organizations, will further develop their business or social venture plans, learn from their U.S. counterparts, and share best practices.

The 2018 YLAI Professional Fellows Program will begin on September 20 in Detroit, Michigan. Participants will then engage in four-week fellowships in cities throughout the country. The program will conclude with a Closing Summit in Washington, DC.

For more information on the YLAI Program, please visit https://ylai.state.govor contact the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section at BelmopanPA@state.gov.Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture."

The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative is looking for 250 young entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean to bring to the United States for business and social entrepreneurship training in October and November 2016.  They've extended the deadline through tomorrow, so there's still plenty of time. 

"U.S. Embassy Belmopan Announces Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Program to Support Entrepreneurs throughout Latin America and the Caribbean Program Signifies Important Step in White House’s Commitment to an Entrepreneurship Network in the Americas. Entrepreneurs! We are looking for you!"

Congratulations, Khadija Assales!  She won the Young Leaders of America Initiative Solution Pitch Competition, and is the 2022 YLAI Ambassador.  She's an amazing entrepreneur, and this is well deserved.  

'Day 3 of Closing Forum is here! Today, 240+ YLAI entrepreneurs will become YLAI Fellowship Alumni and gain access to a network of over 1,000+ alumni. We also want to congratulate Khadija Assales, CEO & Founder of Kaj Expressions, for winning the YLAI Solution Pitch Competition and becoming the 2022 YLAI Ambassador!'

Congratulations to the 4 Belizean entrepreneurs that will represent Belize at the 2021 Youth Leaders of the Americas Initiative.  Have fun!  

"We are proud to announce that four Belizean entrepreneurs have been selected for the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative - YLAI  Fellowship Program! The YLAI Fellowship Program empowers innovative business and social entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada by working virtually with Host Organizations across the United States for three months. Congratulations!"

Video of the day.  Keisha Rodriguez shares her story of the YLAI.  There's still time to submit your application; March 4th is the deadline.

"'Being able to meet so many young people who are doing great things in their countries and being able to interact with so many different cultures and learning about their experiences has just been tremendous … it’s a once in a lifetime experience.' – Keisha Rodriguez

Keisha Rodriguez is the Co-Founder and Director of Communications, Outreach, and Networking for Belize Association of Planners (BAP), which addresses relevant planning and development issues in Belize, with an emphasis on vulnerable urban communities. They seek to apply knowledge, skills sets, and experiences to addressing inequities and urban and environmental injustices. Keisha is also an adjunct lecturer at the University of Belize. She holds an MA in International Environment Sustainable Development from National Central University and a BA in Biology from the University of Belize.

Keisha spent 4 weeks at the Presidential Precinct through the Young Leadership of the Americas Initiative (YLAI). YLAI brings dynamic young entrepreneurs from 10 countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region for 'entrepreneur-in-residence' placements with some of Charlottesville’s leading small businesses, startups, and nonprofit organizations."