Today at the Belize Institute of Management, entrepreneurs and business-minded Belizeans from all over the country participated in a workshop called Impact Junkie.
It's an initiative co-developed by the American, Dr. Philip Harding, and it seeks to inspire up-and-coming entrepreneurs from all over the world through a mandate that promotes innovation, youth participation, and entrepreneurship aimed at positive social impact.
The Small Business Development Center, a unit of BELTRAIDE, partnered with the US Embassy in Belmopan to bring Dr. Harding to Belize to impart his wisdom to business-minded Belizeans for the entirety of today.
We stopped by this morning to try and find out what's so unique about Impact Junkie. Here's what Dr. Harding told us:
Philip Harding - Facilitator
"We're looking for people who are thinking big in Belize, people who are excited about making an impact in the country, and who maybe are a little bit crazy, and think that they can change the world. We hear people saying Belize is small, but has a big impact, and we want to be a part of that. So, we want to meet people who are interested in thinking big and dreaming big, and bringing sustainable solutions, and stirring up entrepreneurship and investment in the country. And we wanna partner with you, and we wanna help."
"I think to be a successful business person, have - why do you have a business? Answer that question. Is the business solving big problems? Are you focused on a big need that's creating value in lives? That's what you need to focused on, not just the idea of opening a business, because it's going to look like every other business. But, having it being rooted in what you believe you were created for, your passion, purpose and calling, and letting that drive you. So often, it's easy to just jump to, I need to start a business because I want to start a business. But entrepreneurship is bigger than just business. Entrepreneurship is about understanding needs, and bringing solutions to solve big problems."
Yvette Mahung-Mazariegos - Participant/Entrepreneur
"I'm also a woman entrepreneur with 2 businesses. So, I think it is very good to come to workshops like this because it keeps you current and updated, because you always learn something new. There is always something room for learning in the marketplace, and to empower myself and other women as well in their businesses."
Kyle Zuniga - Participant/Entrepreneur
"I do digital marketing and it's new to Belize, and it's new to the area where I'm from in Toledo. So, I've been able to drum up clients, and drum up business, and keep pushing forward. And I'm not only that, but I adapt as I go along. So, every new opportunity that comes along, every new change that has to come with social media, I try to jump on that to keep my business afloat."
Mervin Budram - Participant/Entrepreneur
"I honestly wasn't planning to be here today. I had lots of stuff to do. And then, last night, when we had our meeting, and we were discussing, I was blown away just by the nuggets, the insights, and also getting real as entrepreneurs, and dealing with the real issues that we face as business owners, dealing with mental health issues, dealing with anxiety, dealing with what it takes to launch out, and have a business. Just the nuggets that Impact Junkie gave last night, I cleared my schedule today, and I said that I have to be here because I wanted more."
The success of this program has led to the creation of the IMPACT Entrepreneurship and Innovation Course, a core subject at the Johns Hopkins University.
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