Belize Trade and Investment Development Service

What Belize Trade and Investment Development Service does

BELTRAIDE (Belize Trade and Investment Development Service) is a statutory body of the Government of Belize operating under the Ministry of Finance, Economic Transformation & Investment. It functions as Belize's national trade and investment development agency, delivering services through four integrated units: SBDCBelize (Small Business Development Centre) for one-on-one MSME advising and training; BTEC (Belize Training and Employment Centre) for workforce and employability training plus conference facility rentals; Belize INVEST for investment promotion, fiscal incentive administration, and investor matchmaking; and EXPORT Belize as the national trade promotion agency serving export-ready and exporting companies.

The agency's technology footprint is operational rather than proprietary — its core deliverable is human advisory services, training delivery, and platform-mediated programs (Belize Investment Portfolio, Buy Belizean loyalty platform), with no disclosed proprietary AI/ML systems, APIs, or software products. Supporting programs include the Digital Innovation to Boost Economic Development (DIBED, 2026–2028, 460 enterprises, BZ$4,000–$120,000 grants), SKILLUP Digital Bootcamp, BEEP (Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project), MSME Tax Amnesty, MSME Enhancement Programme, National MSME Roadshow (10 locations, 27 days), Digital Innovation Cluster Challenge, and Fiscal Incentive / Designated Processing Area programs.

Revenue mechanics are predominantly government-funded via appropriations and donor grants (IDB, UNDP, IFC), with services to MSMEs and entrepreneurs delivered free or at nominal cost. Commercial revenue is limited to BTEC conference room rentals ($150–$400/day) and select training workshops. Customer segments span MSMEs, pre-venture entrepreneurs, established businesses, local and foreign investors, near-export-ready and exporting companies, and job seekers. Belize INVEST is the only unit with a global go-to-market scope; other units operate domestically across Belize.

Name

Belize Trade and Investment Development Service

Legal name

Belize Trade and Investment Development Service

Website

https://beltraide.bz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

BELTRAIDE is Belize's government trade and investment development agency, delivering business advising, export promotion, investment facilitation, and workforce training to MSMEs, entrepreneurs, investors, and job seekers through four operational units (SBDCBelize, BTEC, Belize INVEST, EXPORT Belize), funded primarily by government appropriations and donor grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Belmopan

HQ country

Belize

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government-funded public services: BELTRAIDE is a statutory body of the Government of Belize under the Ministry of Finance, Economic Transformation & Investment. The organization provides publicly funded services including business development advising, training, export promotion, and investment facilitation at no cost or subsidized rates to MSMEs and investors in Belize.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

BELTRAIDE is a statutory body of the Government of Belize that delivers trade and investment development services through four operating units: SBDCBelize (one-on-one business advising and training for micro, small, and medium enterprises), BTEC (employability skills training and conference facility rentals), Belize INVEST (investment facilitation, fiscal incentive administration, and investor matchmaking), and EXPORT Belize (national trade promotion and export development). The agency also administers targeted programs such as BEEP grants, DIBED digital transformation, the National MSME Roadshow, and the Buy Belizean loyalty program.

Product overview

BELTRAIDE operates as a multi-unit government agency providing trade and investment development services through four core service divisions: SBDCBelize (business advising and training for MSMEs), BTEC (employability and workforce training), Belize INVEST (investment promotion and facilitation), and EXPORT Belize (national trade promotion). The organization also administers numerous specialized programs including digital transformation initiatives (DIBED, SKILLUP Digital Bootcamp, Digital Innovation Cluster Challenge), MSME support programs (BEEP, MEP, Tax Amnesty Programme), and investment incentive schemes (Fiscal Incentives, DPA). The portfolio includes conference facilities rental, the Buy Belizean loyalty program, and the Belize Investment Portfolio platform. The structure is a platform-plus-programs model where the four service units serve as the core channels while specialized programs provide targeted interventions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EXPORT Belize: National trade promotion agency providing customized needs-based services for export development
• Belize INVEST
• SKILLUP Digital Bootcamp
• BEEP (Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project)
• DIBED (Digital Innovation to Boost Economic Development)
• Buy Belizean

Products and services

• SBDCBelize (Small Business Development Centre Belize) One-on-one confidential and needs-based business advising and training in proven management fundamentals for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses and potential entrepreneurs.
• BTEC (Belize Training and Employment Centre) Job preparedness training, professional development workshops, and industry-specific technical skills training in a diverse and inclusive environment, plus conference facility rentals.
• Belize INVEST Tailored services to local and foreign investors seeking to capitalize on investment opportunities in Belize, including investment portfolio management and investment incentives administration.
• EXPORT Belize The national trade promotion agency providing customized needs-based services in export development and promotion to Near Export-Ready, Export Ready, and Established Exporters.
• Digital Innovation to Boost Economic Development (DIBED) A 3-year program providing financial resources and digital business training to drive growth through increased adoption of digital solutions and improved economic efficiency, supporting 460 enterprises.
• SKILLUP Digital Bootcamp
• Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project (BEEP) A project providing access to financial resources and business leadership skills to MSMEs, with startup grants of BZD $5,000 for 22 selected startup businesses.
• MSME Enhancement Programme (MEP)
• National MSME Roadshow A country-wide campaign supporting Belize's MSME sector as part of the Buy Belizean initiative, featuring training, formalization, finance, and market access across ten locations.
• Buy Belizean Loyalty Program A loyalty program promoting Belizean businesses and products while encouraging local consumer engagement through a loyalty and reward system.
• Belize Investment Portfolio (BIP) A platform targeting pre-packaged investment projects for promotion and targeted matchmaking of shovel-ready business opportunities to prospective investors globally.
• MSME Tax Amnesty Programme A program allowing MSMEs to formalize with Belize Tax Services and receive a one-year business tax exemption plus waiver of accrued penalties and interest.
• Fiscal Incentive Programs Government programs (Regular, MSME, One-Off) granting exemptions from import duty, revenue replacement duty, excise duty, and business tax to promote investment.
• Designated Processing Area (DPA) Program A program encouraging investments in international trade and value addition through benefits including import duty exemptions, property tax exemptions, and work permit allowances for up to 15% of workers.
• Digital Innovation Cluster Challenge
• BTEC Conference Facilities Rental Rental of conference and training rooms including Conference Room ($150/day), Innovation Room ($200/day), Enterprise Room ($300/day), and ITVET Training Room ($400/day) with amenities and setup options.
• Belize Investment Services Network A network of investment service providers including attorneys, business consultants, banks, real estate firms, construction firms, and other professional services supporting investors.

Quantifiable outcome

• BEEP disbursed BZD $678,000 across 95 MSMEs (Export: $300,000, Maturing: $308,000, Startups: $70,000)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Ministry of Finance, Economic Transformation & InvestmentcoreOthersParent ministry under which BELTRAIDE operates as a statutory body of the Government of Belize. Provides governmental oversight and policy direction for trade and investment development activities.
• Ministry of Rural Transformation and Local GovernmentcoreOthersCollaborates on MSME formalization and the National MSME Roadshow initiative, providing support for town hall sessions and local government coordination.
• Government of BelizecoreOthersBELTRAIDE operates as a statutory body under various GOB ministries. Collaborates on initiatives including the MSME Tax Amnesty Programme coordinated with Belize Tax Services (BTS), Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry (BCCAR), and local government authorities.
• International Finance Corporation (IFC)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides advisory support for investment promotion and business development initiatives, particularly in the Blue Economy Investment Promotion Strategy.
• Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBTEC partner providing industry collaboration and business networking opportunities. BCCI members benefit from workforce training programs and professional development services.
• Belize Tourism BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with BTEC on tourism industry training programs including guest services, front desk operations, and hospitality skills development.
• Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBTEC partner for tourism industry workforce development. Provides industry input for training curriculum and facilitates internship and employment opportunities for graduates.
• University of BelizesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBTEC partner for educational collaboration and potential articulation of training certifications into formal education pathways.
• Heritage Bank of BelizesupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFinancial institution partner for MSME Roadshow and program sponsorship. Provides banking sector perspective on small business finance and potential referral services.
• Atlantic BanksupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSponsor for the National MSME Roadshow 2026, supporting access to finance components of the program.
• Belize Hotel AssociationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBTEC partner for hospitality industry training. Provides industry expertise and placement opportunities for graduates of hotel and tourism programs.
• Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBTEC partner for health-related training programs including home-health care certification and professional development workshops.
• Belmopan City CouncilsupportingOthersBTEC partner for local community development and training initiatives in the capital district.
• Ministry of HealthsupportingOthersCollaborates with BTEC on home-health care training programs and health sector professional development.
• Department of Youth ServicessupportingOthersBTEC partner for youth employment initiatives and workforce development programs targeting young Belizeans.
• Digital Innovation Cluster Challenge ParticipantssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDigital Services Providers (DSPs) and supporting organizations collaborating through the Digital Innovation Cluster Challenge to strengthen digital adoption among MSMEs in Belize.
• Belize Tax Services (BTS)coreOthersGovernment agency partner for the MSME Tax Amnesty Programme, coordinating business tax exemptions, waiver of penalties and interest, and tax registration support.
• Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry (BCCAR)coreOthersGovernment partner for business formalization support, providing online business name registration and company incorporation services through collaboration with SBDCBelize.
• Investment Policy & Compliance Unit (IPCU)supportingOthersGovernment unit providing oversight of MSME Tax Amnesty applications and investment policy guidance, partnering with BELTRAIDE on investor support services.
• Economic Development Council (EDC)supportingOthersGovernment partner for economic development initiatives, collaborating on the National MSME Roadshow and investment promotion activities.
• Office of the Prime MinistercoreOthersGovernment leadership partner for the National MSME Roadshow and broader Buy Belizean initiative, providing high-level support for MSME sector development.
• Buy Belizean InitiativecoreOthersGovernment initiative led by the Office of the Prime Minister, with BELTRAIDE as implementation partner. Promotes Belizean businesses and products through loyalty programs and market access support.
• Central Bank of BelizesupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBronze sponsor for the National MSME Roadshow 2026, supporting financial literacy and banking sector participation in MSME development.
• Development Finance Corporation (DFC)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBronze sponsor for the National MSME Roadshow 2026, providing development finance perspective and potential access to capital for MSMEs.
• Finance BelizesupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBronze sponsor for the National MSME Roadshow 2026, supporting access to finance components of the program.
• Atlantic InsurancesupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBronze sponsor for the National MSME Roadshow 2026, providing insurance sector support for MSMEs.
• DigiWalletsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGold sponsor for the National MSME Roadshow 2026, supporting digital payment solutions and fintech integration for MSMEs.
• Belize BanksupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSilver sponsor for the National MSME Roadshow 2026, supporting banking sector participation in MSME access to finance.
• BelizingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the SkillUp Digital Bootcamp, contributing to the fully funded 6-month digital skills program for 40 Belizeans. Provides program delivery support and industry connections.
• Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDigital Checkup partner for the DIBED program, providing digital maturity assessment tools for MSME applicants.
• International Trade Centre (IICA)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in developing nature-based enterprise training curriculum and materials, working with BELTRAIDE, Department of Cooperatives, and Ministry of Agriculture on the 'Creating Opportunities to Support Alternative Livelihoods' project.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Invest Trinidad and Tobago (InvesTT): Trinidad & Tobago's investment promotion agency. Same Caribbean trade and investment development mandate as BELTRAIDE, serving a similarly small economy with statutory backing.
• JAMPRO (Jamaica Promotions Corporation / Jamaica Trade and Invest): Jamaica's national trade and investment promotion agency, structurally analogous to BELTRAIDE: statutory agency providing export development, investment attraction, and MSME support services to a small Caribbean economy.
• PROCOMER (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica): Costa Rica's export and investment promotion agency. Comparable as a Central American/Caribbean-region trade promotion body providing export readiness, investment facilitation, and MSME capacity building.
• Belize Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) Barbados: Barbados's national investment and development corporation. Closely comparable Caribbean statutory body offering investment facilitation, MSME advisory, and economic development services within a similarly-sized economy.
• Guyana Office for Investment (GO-INVEST): Guyana's national investment promotion agency operating out of the Office of the President. Highly comparable mandate around FDI attraction, investment incentives, and project facilitation within a small CARICOM economy.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/BeltraideB
• Facebookfacebook.com/BELTRAIDE
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/beltraide

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Belize Trade and Investment Development Service