The Chamber of Commerce has been commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) to develop an entrepreneurship program that supports starting entrepreneurs in developing their business in order to realize a viable business. This program should ensure that entrepreneurs are more aware of what help they need and what skills they need to develop in order to have a viable business. Free help can then be offered in the areas of financing, knowledge, permits and taxes. The skills can be further developed by using vouchers for training, courses and coaching.
One of the main challenges identified by entrepreneurs is the current lack of a cohesive entrepreneurial ecosystem that meets the needs of all aspects of a start-up business. The Center for Entrepreneurship will ensure that attention is paid to the most important aspects during the start-up of the company. A large number of organizations have therefore agreed to cooperate in providing better guidance to entrepreneurs. These include the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the Tax and Customs Administration of the Caribbean Netherlands, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Public Entity of Bonaire, Qredits, the civil-law notaries and the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property.
There is no actual structured entrepreneurial network on Bonaire. The center will therefore create a network in which starting and successful entrepreneurs can meet and help each other through meetings and events. The intention is to make this a structured approach in which the successful entrepreneurs can also take on a “mentor role”. Furthermore, entrepreneurship will be promoted by highlighting successful entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship awards and valuations are a great way to make this known to a wider audience.
If you would like more information about certain steps or if you have questions about your actual business, please get in touch with the staff at BIS; you can contact them at ondernemerschap@kvkbonaire.com.