PHILIPSBURG:--- After five years of empowering local entrepreneurs, the Enterprise Support Project (ESP) of the Sint Maarten Trust Fund is moving into its next phase, continuing its commitment to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Sint Maarten. While the application process for financial assistance officially ended on February 7, 2025, the ESP remains dedicated to fostering business growth through ongoing training, research, and development initiatives.
To date, the Trust Fund project has provided $19 million in financial support to 293 businesses, with additional funding still pending. The project has played an important role in supporting micro-businesses, women-led ventures, and new entrepreneurs. This has strengthened Sint Maarten’s economy by driving business growth, job creation, and long-term resilience across the hospitality, transportation, healthcare, and agriculture sectors.
NRPB Director Claret Connor is mindful of ESP’s ongoing drive to augment the expertise of Sint Maarten’s entrepreneurs,
“While the application period has closed, evaluation and processing of submitted applications are still underway to ensure eligible businesses receive the support they applied for. ESP’s impact will continue through the businesses it has helped, the jobs it has generated, and the available resources. By providing financial support and ensuring access to training and mentorship, ESP has invested in the future of Sint Maarten’s economy.”
ESP Project Manager Anisa Dijkhoffz reaffirmed that while new applications are no longer being accepted, the project remains active, providing ongoing training, mentorship, and business development initiatives. “The entrepreneurs who received funding are not just project beneficiaries; they are the future of Sint Maarten’s economy. We encourage them to continue growing and making the most of the resources available to them.”
ESP has operated under a structured and transparent framework throughout its implementation, ensuring that funding was distributed fairly and effectively to businesses that met the eligibility criteria. Loan repayments must continue as scheduled, with final payments due no later than June 2028 unless otherwise specified.
As the project evolves, its focus includes expanded training and coaching, targeted support for micro and early-stage businesses, and stronger collaboration with institutions such as the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs Transport & Telecommunications, Chamber of Commerce, and participating financial institutions. More than 250 entrepreneurs have benefitted from ESP training programs to date, and new initiatives such as business coaching and a jobs survey will continue to build capacity. The jobs survey will provide valuable insights into employment trends and workforce needs within the MSME sector, helping businesses align their growth strategies and training efforts accordingly. Research on MSME development will help inform future efforts.
While new applications are no longer being accepted, ESP remains committed to supporting Sint Maarten’s business community. Business owners who were not eligible for financial assistance are still encouraged to make use of available resources. Programs such as the Entrepreneurship Development Program by the Sint Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Centre continue to offer training, mentorship, and tools to help small businesses scale.
As a key project of the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands, managed by the World Bank, and implemented by the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB), ESP has left a lasting impact on the local business community. By reaching its planned funding goals and ensuring continued support for entrepreneurs, the project has helped lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient business community.
