Why Belize businesses struggle to make long-term bets
And how breaking out of short-term thinking is key to long-term success
In the global business world, the companies that stand out aren’t always the ones chasing trends or cutting costs. More often, they’re the ones making smart long-term bets.
This week, Stripe acquired Ireland’s largest secondary school science competition. Why? Because it positions them closer to the next generation of innovators. They’re not just investing in PR. They’re investing in future talent, reputation, and ecosystem health.
It made me think: why don’t more Belizean businesses make strategic investments like that? Why do so many of us focus on the next tourist, the next season, the next month’s expenses — while ignoring long-term opportunities that could improve our businesses and Belize’s economy for years to come?
So what’s holding us back?
Belizean businesses already face real limits: thin margins, conservative lenders, and weak industry support. But culture makes it even harder. A study by Li & Carballo scored Belize 38.5 for Long-Term Orientation and 68.5 for Indulgence, reflecting a mindset that prioritizes quick wins over patient planning. Avila & Pisani found the same: Belizeans tend to spend before they save, expect fast returns, and rarely reinvest.
Places like the U.S. also score high on indulgence, but they have systems that support long-term investment, including access to capital, strong institutions, and innovation incentives. In Belize, both culture and structure push businesses to think short-term.
This mindset plays out in everyday business decisions.
No Room to Breathe
Most businesses run in survival mode. One slow month can put everything at risk. Long-term investments require savings, time, and space to think. Without that, there’s no room to plan ahead.
Limited Access to Capital
Bold ideas rarely get funding. Banks are conservative. Equity investment is rare. Grants and innovation programs are limited or hard to access.
Strategy Takes a Backseat
Owners are stretched thin. They handle bookings, repairs, payroll, and social media. There’s little time left to ask: Where are we going? What should we start now to be ready in five, 10 years?
Isolation from Global Best Practices
Few entrepreneurs and professionals get to see how others solve problems or build systems. Without that exposure, it’s harder to think differently—or think long-term.
Lack of Ecosystem Pressure
Many businesses stick to what already works. They copy tours, menus, or shop ideas because it feels safer than trying something new. But this leads to crowded markets, less differentiation, and fewer long-term advantages.
So what can we do?
It’s not about doing everything at once. It’s about starting with what matters and building from there.
Build systems, not just hustle
Long-term progress starts with better operations. Document what works. Improve your workflows. Make your business less dependent on you alone.
Invest in people
Train your staff. Mentor a student. Support internships. Building skills today creates stronger teams tomorrow.
Start small
You don’t need millions. Save a little each month. Upgrade one process. Try one new idea. Small steps add up.
Collaborate
Work with others in your area. Share marketing costs. Plan joint training. Build something bigger than your business alone.
Push for better support
Ask for policies and programs that reward long-term thinking—like grants, tax incentives, or shared infrastructure.
Looking ahead
Belize doesn’t just need more tourists. It needs better systems, smarter bets, and bolder thinking. If we want a stronger future, we have to stop playing short-term and start investing like we plan to be here for the next 50 years.
Let’s start now.
🎙️ Starting June 4, 2025, I’ll be publishing new episodes of the Belize Tourism Futures video podcast every Wednesday. Season 2 is all about real conversations with the people doing the hard, creative work of building a better Belize tourism industry. Subscribe on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify—and raise the conversation with us.