Visiting in November to explore future opportunities

We too wish to do the same. So we will be following the posts with interest.

well it is not difficult to start your own business but research well to find what businesses are lacking in the area you are going to be in, remember Belize is a poor country so the local population are not going to have masses of disposable income and the majority of expats are likely to be retired persons on fixed income so finding a niche can be difficult. You will be expected to employ local workers in the business.
Volunteering is an option but you will require a visa to do it, fees will be involved. I know it sounds mean to make it difficult to give away your time to help the community but the reasoning is that if expat volunteers are doing those real  jobs that  could or would otherwise go to paid Local workers then it is less help to the local community than simply making paid jobs for them. Apart from those options the only other suggestion is to find a hobby that is suited to the climate and your lifestyle.

Terrific is correct on starting your own business. You will also need a work permit, and a monthly trip to the closest government immigration office to renew your visa until you gain permanent resident status. {2-4 years) If running a business, one is not eligible for the QRP program.

In the Placencia area, the Rotary Club is very active and do a tremendous amount of community work with both Expats and locals contributing.

Please look through the previous threads on these subjects in various threads as most people ask many of the same questions and there is a ton of great information/advice already posted here. Just make sure to note the date of posts as some are old.

Oh goooodiee, an advertisement disguised as a forum post.....

I shared my experience and would be willing to share that and sources of businesses and volunteer groups that I donate or utilize my time to regularly. My "advertisement" is an option not a requirement for communication .  Anytime you sit in a bar or a cafe in Belize or anywhere, a similar sort of conversation would be normal and likely .  My experiences are the main thread , my potential help is an option .

Presentations wrote:

I shared my experience and would be willing to share that and sources of businesses and volunteer groups that I donate or utilize my time to regularly. My "advertisement" is an option not a requirement for communication .  Anytime you sit in a bar or a cafe in Belize or anywhere, a similar sort of conversation would be normal and likely .  My experiences are the main thread , my potential help is an option .

Right now my BS Detector is registering its highest reading. Right now it's no different than the many smooth talking scam/scheme/MLM emails I get jamming my inbox every week. All generalities and nothing specific is a sure sign of a master of BS.

Presentations wrote:

After many years of visiting Belize regularly for many years,  I learned a bit about the culture of the country and individual traits of certain towns and villages.

I tried to utilize the locally grown seaweed to build on the health and beauty benefits. Because of the socioeconomic conditions of this poor country, there is limited ability to create a product or service that can be profitable.

I have not given up, but I have had to find another way to create a win/win way to feel productive and meaningful  and potentially a very productive income.   

I just discovered this business that pleases my heart and my goals for success just 4 days ago.

If you will please let me share with you a proven successful ,meaningful purposeful way that lifts everyone up.........

I shared my experience and would be willing to share that and sources of businesses and volunteer groups that I donate or utilize my time to regularly. My "advertisement" is an option not a requirement for communication .  Anytime you sit in a bar or a cafe in Belize or anywhere, a similar sort of conversation would be normal and likely .  My experiences are the main thread , my potential help is an option

Kathleen this forum is to provide experiences of life in Belize to help others make an informed decision on their personal move. The beginning of your post appears to be just that, but the line was crossed after the sentence "I just discovered this business that pleases my heart and my goals for success just 4 days ago."

While advertising is an appropriate topic in the local bar or cafe in Belize, it is strictly forbidden on this Forum. I would ask you to review the forum "Code of Conduct". This type of "information" (Ad) can be placed in the "Classifieds" section found under the "Handy Tools" tab at the top of the page.

So, there are loads of people here with great ideas and motivation but not money. If you hang out and put your ear to the ground and are a good judge of character, you can find beautiful things to support.
We have little kids and work online, so we've no shortage of things to do. If you get super bored, you can borrow our kids 😂

Hello Doug C,

I have often wondered the same about how ex-pats keep busy in Placencia as it is a small town located at the end of a long peninsula with only the usual bars and restaurants for entertainment. Of course, if you own a boat it is diferent matter.

I have lived in Belize for over 30 years and really enjoy living in the Cayo District. It is not on the sea but nowhere is far from the sea in Belize.

There is much to see and do in Cayo, and Mexico and Guatemala are close by, for those who like travelling. I often go to Cancun for a long weekend.

I would suggest that you take the time to visit the whole country bepore deciding on a particular destination to retire to.