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BEL Initiative

Updated: Jun 2


BEL Initiative

Lakol: What is the BEL Initiative and when did it begin?


Dr. Cetoute: BEL Initiative established in 2016 is an entrepreneurship program of the Georgia Haitian American Chamber of Commerce (GAHCCI). The first cohort to provide binational from Haiti and the United States an entrepreneurship education, mentorship,   


access and exposure to entrepreneurs by hosting them in the United States for the summer. They are connected to potential partners, resources with the intention of returning to Haiti and create more jobs. Thus, a bigger impact in the Haitian economy. It’s like an exchange program.


Lakol: How does this program play a role in Haiti being a developed nation in our lifetime?


Dr. Cetoute: This is the reason we started this program. We know it’s important that the people who are going to be building, cleaning, and living there 24/7 just need the support to develop and maintain the business. At the same time, the chamber being focused on


business, entrepreneurship and helping professionals, we know not to overstep our bounds. We focus on and support the entrepreneurs there and connect markets.


​The Haitian entrepreneurs will have the power to create jobs and much more sustainable living if they can provide for themselves and for their families. Long term, this creates a stronger economy because of people who are now creating jobs versus looking for them.


Lakol: What are some challenges which these cohorts face in Haiti?



Dr. Ronald Cetoute
Dr. Ronald Cetoute

Dr. Cetoute: One of the biggest challenges is that there isn't really a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in the infrastructure. The capital access to financing and funding in the US is almost nonexistent in Haiti. It’s not easy to find Angel Donors. That’s one aspect of the ecosystem that needs to be developed a little bit more. It’s a very important for entrepreneurs to have resources and being able to survive the economy. Money is usually one of the biggest issues.


Lakol: Some people have given up hope for Haiti becoming a developed nation. They feel it’s a lost cause. Haiti continues to experience earthquakes, hurricanes, political instability, corruption, financial rape, kidnapping and murders by gangs, exploited by nonprofits and the list goes on. Do you think it's a realistic expectation to establish business in an environment riddled with crime and corruption?


Dr. Cetoute: Absolutely. I say that because there are other countries that have done it. For example, Rwanda began having these issues. Other countries less infrastructure and equal, if not more corruption than Haiti. Many have been able to turn themselves around. There are many case studies of other countries who frankly have been in worst positions than Haiti. Those countries overcame the struggles. It’s not possible for those living in a developed country to realistically visualize Haiti a developed nation. That's understandable. The crazed, unrealistic yet determined people to deal with unrealistic situations. So, I guess my answer is yes, it's realistic.


 March 2024   |    By Analise Marcel & Lorna Valcin | Photo Credit: Valcin Legacy

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