Successful Kick-off of the Center for Entrepreneurship

On August 21, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bonaire held a successful kick-off of the new “Centre for Entrepreneurship” during a symposium at Delfins Beach & Resort Bonaire. During the meeting, the working method of the center was explained and the way in which new entrepreneurs receive more intensive guidance when starting their business. The various organizations that play a direct role in this have explained what they can do for these entrepreneurs.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (ministry) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) commissioned and financed the Chamber of Commerce to develop an entrepreneurship program that supports starting entrepreneurs. A contribution has also been made available from the Ministry for this purpose. The 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, subsidies 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 entrepreneurship ecosystem on Bonaire. The center for entrepreneurship will ensure that more attention is paid to the most important aspects during the start-up of the company. A large number of organizations are therefore working together to provide better support to entrepreneurs. These include the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, 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. We are also looking at how the Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Park can further strengthen each other through cooperation and exchange.

In addition, there is also a need for a structured entrepreneurial network on Bonaire. The aim is to create a structured network 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.