The Chamber of Commerce will soon introduce THE CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The Chamber of Commerce will soon launch a “Center for Entrepreneurship.” The Center should ensure that entrepreneurship is stimulated even more among the local population, it should improve the entrepreneurial climate on Bonaire, improve the network possibilities for entrepreneurs and enhance the cooperation between the organizations that assist entrepreneurs. This involves cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce, the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO), the Public Entity of Bonaire, Qredits and other parties, among others. The Chamber of Commerce has been appointed and funded for this by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate.

The said Center is located at the Chamber of Commerce at Kaya Amsterdam 23. Here, during the intake of entrepreneurs, more emphasis will be placed on the needs and the request for help of entrepreneurs. Based on this, it will be possible to see what guidance and coaching is necessary, including with coaching vouchers from RVO. In addition, entrepreneurs will be helped to better find their way in government land. This applies to both permits and subsidies. Awareness of attractive forms of financing will also be part of the Center for Entrepreneurship. Finally, entrepreneurship will also be brought more to the attention of the population, including the youth, and more (networking) events for entrepreneurs will be used.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought different and new insights to Bonaire. There is a need for new (including tourism) entrepreneurship that is grafted on sustainability, natural values and local culture and traditions, the basic principles of the Blue Destination concept. This requires new expertise and support to realize this transition. Also, the current economy requires the stimulation of new business activities (including diversification) to solve local challenges. One of the main challenges is the current lack of a coherent entrepreneurship ecosystem that meets the needs of all phases of businesses. 

This ecosystem and the cooperation between all mentioned parties is now being developed. The first visible activities will soon take place in the form of (networking) events for entrepreneurs. More detailed information on the Center for Entrepreneurship and its activities will follow later in the year. The Chamber of Commerce has a legal task to stimulate economic development by promoting research and forms of consultation and cooperation that concern economic interests. In addition, the Chamber’s task is to provide information on establishing and running a business. The Chamber of Commerce is very pleased with the introduction of the Center for Entrepreneurship as it contributes to its statutory duties and thanks the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate for awarding this project.