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T.A.P.

Welcome to the Tourism Accelerator Programme

Pilot Project – Phase 1

Welcome to the Small Hotels and Restaurants Industry Accelerator Programme (SHRIAP), an initiative designed to enhance the competitiveness of small enterprises within Belize’s tourism sector. Our program aims to support small hotels and stand-alone restaurants in maximizing their potential, improving their operations, and increasing their market reach.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

The SHRIAP is focused on small hotels with 5 to 20 rooms and independent restaurants. By offering access to business coaching, tailored business plans, financial assistance, and effective marketing strategies, we aim to help you elevate your business to new heights. Participants will also receive support in developing grant proposals under the Sustainable and Inclusive Belize (SAIB) program, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

How It Works

Twenty small hotels and fifteen standalone restaurants will be selected for SHRIAP, where they will access tailored support including:

  • Operational Improvements
  • Business & Marketing Plan Assistance
  • Climate Resiliency & Sustainability Measures
  • Technology & Innovation Integration
  • Physical and Public Space Enhancements

Qualified applicants who complete the program will be eligible to receive up to USD 15,000 in matching grants for implementing approved projects.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

As a participant, you will work closely with a dedicated team of consultants who will conduct business analyses through interviews and surveys. Together, you will explore growth opportunities and create a customized action plan, including a competitive strategy and budget. If a business plan is lacking, we will connect you with a final-year university student for support in developing this crucial document.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Our commitment is to enhance Belize’s tourism sector through collaboration, ensuring that local communities benefit from economic, social, and cultural opportunities. We prioritize partnerships that integrate tourism policies with national economic, social, and environmental strategies.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

For Small Hotels

To qualify as a participant in the SHRIAP, small hotels must meet the following criteria:

  • Room Capacity: Between 5 and 20 rooms.
  • Business Experience: Minimum of 3 years in operation.
  • Legal Registration: Must be legally incorporated and registered with the Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry.
  • Licenses: Hold a valid trade license and a current hotel license.
  • Tax Compliance: Hotel tax must be up to date.
  • Ownership Requirements: At least 51% Belizean or CARICOM ownership; in the case of accommodations, a minimum of 25% local equity is required.
  • Staffing Requirements: A majority of staff (51% and above) must be local or CARICOM nationals.
  • Financial Reporting: Willingness to submit annual sales turnover and other relevant financial documentation.
  • Assessment Participation: Agree to participate in non-site assessments and staff interviews.
  • Collaborative Development: Work with the project team to develop a comprehensive business plan and competitive strategy.
  • Coaching Commitment: Attend coaching, mentoring, and training sessions.
  • Proposal Submission: Willingness to submit a project proposal for SAIB funding.

For Stand-Alone Restaurants

Eligible restaurants must meet the following criteria:

  • Type of Business: Must be an independent restaurant (not part of a hotel or tour operation).
  • Business Experience: Minimum of 3 years in operation.
  • Legal Registration: Must be legally incorporated and registered.
  • Licenses: Hold a valid trade license and current public health certification.
  • Ownership Requirements: At least 51% Belizean or CARICOM ownership.
  • Financial Reporting: Willingness to provide financial statements, customer reviews, and other documentation for performance assessments.
  • Assessment Participation: Agree to participate in non-site assessments consisting of personnel interviews and observations.
  • Collaborative Development: Work with the project team to develop a business plan and competitive strategies.
  • Proposal Submission: Willingness to submit a project proposal for SAIB funding.

Non-Eligible Projects and Expenses

While the SHRIAP supports a wide range of improvements, certain projects and expenses are not eligible for funding:

  • Luxury Enhancements: Projects focused solely on luxury upgrades or non-essential enhancements.
  • Existing Business Expenses: Funding cannot be used to cover routine operating expenses, such as payroll, utilities, and rent.
  • Debt Repayment: Proposals for debt settlement or repayment will not be accepted.
  • Non-Business Related Expenses: Any costs associated with personal expenses or non-business-related activities.
  • Projects Without Clear Community Benefit: Initiatives that do not demonstrate a positive impact on the local community or environment may be disqualified.
OUR COMMITMENT

SHRIAP supports Belize’s tourism as a national priority, helping local communities and businesses alike prosper. Through collaboration and sustainable practices, SHRIAP aims to maintain Belize’s distinct positioning as a top destination while protecting natural and cultural resources.

FAQS

1. What is the Small Hotels and Restaurants Industry Accelerator Programme (SHRIAP)?

SHRIAP is an initiative aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of small hotels and stand-alone restaurants in Belize’s tourism sector through business coaching, operational improvements, and access to funding for approved projects.

2. Who is eligible to participate in SHRIAP?

  • Small Hotels: Must have 5 to 20 rooms, be in operation for at least 3 years, legally registered, and hold valid licenses. A majority of ownership (51%) must be Belizean or CARICOM nationals.
  • Stand-Alone Restaurants: Must be independent (not part of a hotel or tour operation), have 3 years of operation, be legally registered, and hold valid licenses. At least 51% of ownership must also be Belizean or CARICOM.

3. What kind of support does the program offer?

Participants will receive personalized business coaching, assistance in developing operational and marketing plans, guidance on climate resilience and sustainability initiatives, and potential matching grant funding of up to USD 15,000 for approved projects.

4. What are the non-eligible projects and expenses?

Non-eligible projects and expenses include:

  • Luxury enhancements that are non-essential.
  • Routine operating expenses (payroll, utilities, rent).
  • Debt repayment proposals.
  • Non-business-related expenses.
  • Projects that do not demonstrate a positive impact on the community or environment.

5. How can I apply for the SHRIAP?

Interested applicants can apply by contacting the program coordinators for detailed application instructions. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.

6. What is the duration of the program?

The program duration may vary; participants will be informed about specific timelines during the application process.

7. What happens after I submit my application?

After submission, applications will be reviewed for eligibility, and selected participants will be contacted for the next steps, which may include interviews and assessments.

8. Is there a cost to participate in the program?

Participation in the program is free, but applicants may need to commit time and resources to attend coaching sessions and workshops.