Trade Mission to Miami Offers New Opportunities

Kralendijk, Bonaire – September 8, 2026 – On Tuesday, a presentation on the ‘From Island Roots to Global Routes’ trade mission to Miami was held at the Bonaire Chamber of Commerce. For an audience of approximately twenty interested entrepreneurs, Ms. Tamara Leonard, President of the Board of Directors of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI), presented the opportunities the mission offers to entrepreneurs seeking international growth.

The Director of the Bonaire Chamber of Commerce, Phar Martha, opened the meeting and expressed his appreciation for the strong turnout. Phar thanked the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI) for organizing this trade mission to Miami and encouraged entrepreneurs to register and seize this opportunity to explore new markets.

Ms. Leonard emphasized that the mission aims to prepare entrepreneurs in practical ways for doing business in the United States. Participants will gain access to knowledge and guidance on topics including opening a U.S. bank account, registering and establishing a business, immigration and business visas, and strategies for expanding into the U.S. market. The mission also focuses on building valuable commercial connections and improving market and investor readiness.

Miami was deliberately selected as a strategic gateway to the United States and other international markets. The city is an important hub for trade, logistics, finance, tourism, and technology, offering access to investors, business networks, and service providers.

The program includes business workshops, networking events, a Business Expo with B2B and B2C connections, and visits to companies and organizations active in trade, logistics, and freight. Participants will also have opportunities to meet new suppliers and business partners and gain further knowledge about importing and exporting to, from, or through Miami. In addition, the mission provides entrepreneurs from Bonaire with the opportunity to network and explore business opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs from the neighboring islands of Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten.

During the meeting, attention was also given to subsidy opportunities through the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). Depending on the applicable terms and conditions, entrepreneurs may be eligible for financial support covering 50% of the costs of the trade mission. The Bonaire Chamber of Commerce will also provide preparatory training to ensure participants are well prepared for the mission.

Through ‘From Island Roots to Global Routes’, entrepreneurs are invited to establish new business connections and take concrete steps toward international growth. Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to register in a timely manner.

Missed the presentation? The full presentation can be viewed on the Bonaire Chamber of Commerce YouTube channel: Watch the presentation on YouTube.