This initiative is aimed at empowering marginalised Saint Lucians and stimulating small business growth to address unemployment on the island.

Henry, who oversees the 20-year-old BELfund, emphasises the institution's dedication to innovation in its efforts to tackle Saint Lucia's unemployment issues and bolster the development of small and micro-enterprises.

“BELfund is dedicated to providing financial support, offering up to $30,000 with a flexible payment plan, to nurture the dreams and ambitions of our local community. Recognising that not everyone possesses readily available capital or assets for collateral, following a recent board decision, BELfund is now extending support to under-employed individuals, with a special focus on empowering all prospective entrepreneurs to meet loan eligibility criteria,” he stated.

In a bid to reach the unemployed, self-employed and underemployed persons, BELfund has initiated community outreach programs, conducting on-the-spot interviews to streamline the application process.

In late 2023, BELfund’s Board of Directors identified the need to cater to underemployed individuals who faced challenges accessing financing from commercial banks.

Consequently, a decision was made to extend BELfund’s financial services to low-income employed individuals.

Distinguishing itself from traditional financial institutions, BELfund welcomes businesses across all legal categories, including service, trade, retail, distribution, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, animal husbandry, agri-business, and agro-processing.