An initiative to support and empower entrepreneurs in the Agriculture sector in Curaçao.
WILLEMSTAD - On Tuesday, February 20th, the Minister of Economic Development (MEO), Mr. Ruisandro Cijntje, had the honor of officially launching the Agrifonds Curaçao initiative alongside Mrs. Raiska Herrera, Branch Manager of Qredits Curaçao. The opening ceremony took place in a congenial atmosphere, attended by, among others, fellow ministers, stakeholders in the agriculture sector, members of the MiNEGOSHI team, the Food Security working group, business sector interest organizations, and representatives from Qredits, including future coaches of the Agri Business Academy.
Both Minister Cijntje and Mrs. Herrera addressed the audience on the occasion of the Agrifonds program launch. According to Minister Cijntje, MEO's investment in the agriculture sector is part of the ministry's vision to develop this sector to provide sufficient high-quality and healthy food for the local community, transforming it into a sustainable economic pillar for the country.
The Agrifonds program, presented by Qredits, provides financial support to strengthen local entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector to produce and supply high-quality food for our community. This initiative aligns seamlessly with MEO's vision and is reflected in the development management document for the agriculture sector titled "Barika yen, Kòrsou Kontentu!"
In addition to providing entrepreneurs and future entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector with financing opportunities at an interest rate of 2%, one of the main objectives of this program is to empower and facilitate entrepreneurs through the Agri Business Academy. This academy offers specific knowledge and tools related to agriculture, enabling participants to create their own business and financial plans to start or successfully manage their businesses. This will assist local entrepreneurs and future entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector in achieving their goals and stimulate the food chain in Curaçao. In total, a maximum of 36 entrepreneurs will be able to benefit from this sector-specific training program in 2024, which will last for 14 weeks. In this collaboration between MEO and Qredits, MEO ensures a subsidy to Qredits so that it can offer financing at a lower interest rate (2%) to agricultural entrepreneurs. MEO is also funding the so-called 'Agri Business Academy'.
Minister Cijntje also indicated that he believes the Agrifonds program will serve as an incentive for more young individuals to see the potential and choose to either start their own businesses or work in this vital sector for our community.
We can do it ourselves!
During his address, Minister Cijntje emphasized the belief of MEO in the capacity of our country to ensure food security for our people and even for export. He highlighted that this sector has the potential to become another economic pillar. For this reason, MEO focuses on the growth of agriculture and livestock breeding, supporting programs contributing to these goals.
Encouragement for Local Financial Institutions
By contributing to this project and collaborating with Qredits Curaçao, MEO hopes that the Agrifonds initiative, offering favorable loans up to a maximum of 100,000 guilders to existing entrepreneurs and those planning to start their companies in the agriculture sector, will encourage other local financial institutions to continue creating and offering green funds, especially for entrepreneurs wishing to invest in this sector.
Recognition for Qredits and MEO
Minister Cijntje extended words of praise to Qredits Netherlands and Qredits Curaçao, which will celebrate their 5th anniversary in April 2023. He acknowledged the valuable contribution these institutions have made to the development of the business world in Curaçao, and consequently to our economy. In the same vein, Minister Cijntje assured that he and his ministry will continue to provide support as they have done since the inception of Qredits Curaçao for the well-being of our local entrepreneurs and our community. Minister Cijntje also expressed his gratitude to his colleagues at MEO, stating that he is extremely proud of their dedication and efforts in realizing Agrifonds.
Availability of Agrifonds
Once the program has been officially launched, interested individuals can visit the following page on the Qredits Curaçao website, https://bit.ly/AgriBusinessCuracao, for more information about the Agri Business Academy and the financing available through Agrifonds. Registration and enrollment can also be done through this page.