Based on the Grameen Bank model of Bangladesh, this approach provides borrowers with credit to finance small businesses. It emphasizes the provision of business management training along with credit as a means of economic empowerment. This program targets women, primarily, though a small minority of men is accepted into the banks. BEST has over ten years of experience in the promotion of community banks. BEST has financed over six hundred and sixty loans (660) to thirteen (13) banks with over one hundred and thirty two (132) members. These banks have provided loans starting from four hundred ($400.00) dollars progressing to about one thousand (100,000.00) dollars. Once the first loan has been repaid, banks are usually provided with additional credit over a maximum of nine (9) sixteen-week cycles, after which they become independent entities. However, members must save twenty (20%) percent of each loan. BEST has a Projects portfolio that undertakes consultancies, develops and implements projects. Since 2000 BEST has done over 200 consultancies and implemented 30 projects, including projects that were part of the BRDP I, STP I, Global Fund and World Bank. The goal of the Projects Division is to develop, negotiate and bid for projects with a sustainability and/or economic development focus, and to complete all projects on time. In recognition of its leadership role in Belize, BEST sits on several steering committees and umbrella organizations. BEST is a member of the Association of National Development Agencies (ANDA), the Women Issues Network of Belize (WIN), and the National Human Development Advisory Committee (NHDAC). It is also a member of the Board of the Social Investment Fund of Belize and a member of the UNDP-GEF National Steering Committee. Most recently, BEST was invited to be a member of the Cayo District Development Committee in association with the Belize Rural Development Project. BEST has built excellent working relationships with most communities throughout the country of Belize. BEST has twenty one years of experience in community development, providing training and technical assistance to low income Belizeans. It has managed several major projects for both development agencies such as UNDP and the European Union as well as for the Government of Belize.
