WILLEMSTAD – As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2026, the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO), under the leadership of Minister of Economic Development Dr. Roderick Middelhof, will organize five events between November 9 and 25. The program is part of the minister's efforts to strengthen Curaçao's business environment.
The events are intended for local entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses, and organizations seeking to improve efficiency, expand their markets, and prepare for the future.
MEO is organizing the events through the Landspakket program aimed at reducing administrative procedures and the cost of doing business, in cooperation with Mi NEGOSHI Shared & Support Services.
Each event focuses on a practical topic: sustainability, sales, income protection, doing business with the government, and connecting businesses facing challenges with local companies that can provide solutions.
November 9 – Increase Your Competitiveness Through International ESG Sustainability Strategies
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Amazia, MEO Building | English
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices are becoming increasingly important, particularly for companies involved in international production and supply chains.
During this practical workshop, participants will learn how environmental protection, support for employees and communities, and compliance with laws and regulations can help businesses reduce costs and risks, create new opportunities, and strengthen their market position.
The session will be led by Danielle Cohen Henriquez, MBA, a local specialist in sustainability and business development with extensive international experience. She also serves as an MEO Coach pa Futuro.
November 16 – How to Reach Your First XCG 10,000 per Month
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Elevation Rooftop Curaçao | Papiamentu
Many small business owners successfully launch their companies but eventually reach a point where sales stop growing.
This event offers practical methods and strategies to improve sales, attract more customers, and achieve sustainable long-term growth.
The program includes a workshop, motivational sessions, brunch, and networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs.
The facilitators are Sigmara Gijsbertha, business coach and owner of Sigmara Gijsbertha Academy, and Irvinia Wout-Daantje, hair health specialist and owner of Nina Hair.
The participation fee is XCG 125 per person.
November 17 – Income Protection for Entrepreneurs
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Amazia Restaurant | Papiamentu
An entrepreneur's income can be affected by unexpected circumstances, including health problems and changes in the economy or market conditions.
These situations can threaten both business continuity and the financial stability of entrepreneurs and their families.
During this session, small and medium-sized business owners will receive practical information and advice on protecting their income and preparing for financial risks.
The session will be facilitated by Rusheedia Maduro, Financial Protection Advisor.
Participation is free.
November 19 – Doing Business With the Government
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Amazia, MEO Building
Government procurement and tendering procedures can create valuable opportunities for local businesses.
However, many entrepreneurs are unfamiliar with government purchasing plans, the procedures for participating in tenders, or the documentation required.
This workshop will explain quality standards, participation in public procurement procedures, integrity requirements, payment documentation, and the management of incoming and outgoing cash flows.
The main facilitator will be Royston Paulina, MSc., Financial Director of MEO.
November 25 – BIZ2BIZ: Connecting Businesses With Local Solutions
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Amazia, MEO Building, Pletterijweg
Many businesses face challenges for which solutions may already exist locally. However, companies experiencing these challenges and businesses offering solutions do not always know each other.
BIZ2BIZ aims to connect businesses, government organizations, foundations, and associations with local providers of products and services.
Companies offering new or lesser-known products and services will have the opportunity to deliver short presentations, known as elevator pitches.
Organizations facing specific challenges are also invited to present their needs.
The proposed solutions may help businesses reduce costs, save time, improve quality, comply with regulations, increase profitability, or enter international markets.
Businesses from sectors including trade, construction, tourism, manufacturing, utilities, transportation, and professional services are encouraged to participate.
MEO is organizing BIZ2BIZ in cooperation with OCBN – One Caribbean Business Network and Curaçao Tech Meetups.
Improving Curaçao's Business Environment
Through these five events, MEO aims to provide entrepreneurs with knowledge, professional connections, and practical tools they can immediately apply to their businesses.
The program supports the objectives of Landspakket E.6.3, which focuses on reducing administrative procedures, lowering the cost of doing business, and improving Curaçao's entrepreneurial environment.
For registration and additional information, interested participants can follow the official Facebook and Instagram pages of the Ministry of Economic Development and Mi NEGOSHI, or contact MEO at +599 9 462 1444.