34 participants of the KvK academy receive certificate
Thursday, December 1, certificates were awarded to 34 participants of the KvK Academy for the year 2022. With the KvK Academy program, the Chamber of Commerce (Coc) increases the chances that participants will continue their businesses successfully by adding more entrepreneurial skills to the participants’ capabilities. In this way, the Chamber of Commerce aims to strengthen Bonaire’s economy.
As a final assignment, also this year a “Shark Tank” (Tanki di Tribon) was held where the participants presented their business in a creative way to 5 judges. During a 5-minute pitch, the participants pulled out all the stops to convince the expert judges of their entrepreneurial idea, knowledge and skills. The winner of this final assignment is Ms. Dalitza Rijna who presented her ‘Pure Desires’ very convincingly to the jury.
‘Pure Desires’ manufactures unique homemade organic scrubs and oils for the skin consisting of fresh fruits, coconut oil and organic sugar. The winner won the following beautiful prizes made available by the sponsors. The Public Entity of Bonaire provided $5,000 for investment in the business. TCB provided participation in a business seminar in the region for the winner as a prize. City Shop contributed with a modern laptop for the winner, and Rocargo Services provided a cash amount of $500 for the import of certain goods. Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO), a department of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK), funded a 24-hour coaching program. Telbo Bonaire offered free business Internet, Health Center Bon Bida has offered free fitness for a year, while Ohana Consultancy has pledged support in writing a business plan.
The second prize went to Ms. Genevieve Saragoza of “The Magical Kids activity cab” who received $1,000 for her business from Cactus Accounting Services as well as assistance in writing her business plan. Mr. Edson Frans of “My Tea Bonaire” won the third prize and received a cash prize of $1,000 from Maduro & Curiel’s Bank Bonaire for further investment in his business.
All prizes aim to provide additional support to further professionalize the businesses of the participants. The Chamber of Commerce thanks the above mentioned sponsors and also the (external) trainers for their contribution to the KvK Academy and congratulates the winners and also the other participants on their results.
Finally, KvK Bonaire wishes all participants the best of luck with their businesses. The Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate has subsidized development of the KvK Academy curriculum in 2018. The CoC intends to offer this curriculum again during 2023. For more information please send an email to bis@kvkbonaire.com or follow the Bonaire Chamber of Commerce facebook page.
