Sint Maarten Celebrates MSMEs at ESP Expo
Sint Maarten Celebrates MSMEs at ESP Expo
PHILIPSBURG JUNE 11 th , 2025 – On Saturday, May 31, the ESP MSME Expo, Vision
to Impact: Building Resilient Businesses for Sustainable Growth, took place at the
Aleeze Convention Center. Hosted by the National Recovery Program Bureau’s (NRPB)
Enterprise Support Project (ESP), the event featured business showcases, networking
opportunities, and panel discussions aimed at supporting micro, small, and medium-
sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The Expo welcomed dozens of local businesses, many participating in an ESP event for
the first time. EMSMEs hosted booths displaying goods and services ranging from
agriculture and marketing to hospitality and fashion. They engaged with the public and
fellow entrepreneurs, sharing that the event offered a valuable opportunity for exposure
and connection with key stakeholders. Many also noted how the Expo helped spark
meaningful new connections between businesses, encouraging market linkages and
potential future collaborations.
The event brought together a diverse mix of attendees including representatives from
the World Bank, financial institutions, government ministries (Ministries of TEATT,
VROMI) and members of the public. Informational booths were also staffed by Qredits,
the Tax Department, SZV, and WIB, offering guidance on funding, compliance, and
support services.
Opening remarks came from moderator Tobias Rolando, a leadership and
communications expert, the Honorable Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport
and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten, NRPB Director Claret
Connor, and ESP Interim Project Manager Julisa Labega-Frans. Each speaker
reinforced the importance of creating environments that give small businesses access
to essential tools, services, and partnerships. Minister Heyliger-Marten echoed this in
her welcome address reminding attendees that small businesses are the heart of Sint
Maarten’s economy. Three panel discussions were held during the day. The first,
Building a Resilient Economy, featured panelists Melissa Metz, World Bank; Minister
Heyliger-Marten; Pearl Hendrickson, Sint Maarten Entrepreneur Development Center
President; and Vincentia Rosen-Sandiford, Director, Bureau for Intellectual Property
SXM. The session highlighted the need for MSMEs to formalize operations in order to
access greater opportunities, strengthen resilience, and contribute more meaningfully to
the national economy. Panelists emphasized the importance of innovation, digital
services, intellectual property protection, and understanding data privacy.
The second panel, Financial Resilience, included Vasco Daal, Winward Island Bank
General Manger Corporate Credit; Wilson Leconte, commercial banking specialist; and
Tim Ahlip, entrepreneur and industry expert. Each panelist shared strategies for building
strong relationships with financial institutions, navigating startup costs, and presenting
viable financial plans. Attendees were encouraged to treat financial management with
the same dedication they apply to other areas of their business.
The final discussion, Mastering Business Operations, brought together Jordan Halley,
industry innovator and young entrepreneur; Bertaux Fleming, entrepreneur and
business strategist; Ishka Jose, HR and compliance leader; and Pierre Ferland,
hospitality expert. Panelists addressed everyday challenges that hinder growth—from
staffing and inventory management to budgeting and formalizing internal systems—and
encouraged business owners to stay actively involved, build team culture, and lead with
clarity and adaptability.
Dieu-Donne Deridort, co-owner of How May We Help You Services BV, said her goal in
joining the Expo was to introduce her company, connect with others, and learn from the
panels. Her husband and business partner, Wonderson Deridort, emphasized that the
sessions reinforced the need for businesses to implement proper planning and
administration.
The day ended with a presentation of participating businesses, followed by a happy
hour that gave guests and entrepreneurs a chance to connect in a relaxed setting.
Reflecting on the event, NRPB Director Claret Connor said he was proud of the
resilience and dedication of Sint Maarten’s business community and their role in
national development. ESP Interim Project Manager Julisa Labega-Frans added that
while funding plays a key role in supporting MSMEs, ongoing support through training
and mentorship is building stronger, more confident entrepreneurs. She emphasized
that “true sustainability for MSMEs requires ongoing support systems that strengthen
operations, resilience, and long-term growth.
Since its launch, ESP has supported 295 businesses with grants and loans totaling
USD 19.2 million. This includes 121 women-led enterprises and 109 new businesses.
Since the application phase of the project closed in February 2025, ESP has continued
to facilitate training in financial management, marketing, and continuity planning and
one on one personalized coaching sessions for MSMEs.
The Enterprise Support Project is implemented by the National Recovery Program
Bureau (NRPB) on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten. It is funded by the Sint
Maarten Trust Fund, financed by the Government of the Netherlands, and managed by
the World Bank.
For more information, visit www.nrpbsxm.org/esp
