WILLEMSTAD – Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof has officially launched the new “Curaçao SME Platform,” replacing the former “Mi NEGOSHI Platform” as part of a broader effort to strengthen and professionalize support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the island.
According to the ministry, the name change became official on April 24, 2026 and marks a new phase in Curaçao’s strategy to position its SME sector more strongly both locally and internationally.
The new structure was established through a government decree creating the Curaçao SME Platform under the leadership of the Ministry of Economic Development.
The platform aims to improve coordination between public and private organizations involved in entrepreneurship, business financing and innovation, while creating more concrete opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Minister Middelhof stated that a strong and resilient SME community forms the backbone of a healthy and future-oriented economy.
The platform also significantly expands the number of participating organizations and stakeholders.
Current members include the Ministry of Economic Development, the Curaçao Chamber of Commerce, Curaçao Innovation & Technology Institute (CITI), Stichting Belastingaccountantsbureau (SBAB), Korpodeko, Qredits, OBNA, MCB, the Tax Inspectorate, EU-desk Curaçao and Fundashon Marshe.
Newly added participants include the University of Curaçao Dr. Moises da Costa Gomez, Mi NEGOSHI Shared & Support Services, the Asosashon di Empresanan Chikí di Kòrsou (ADECK) and APC Bank.
According to the ministry, the platform will serve as a central coordination point for SME initiatives, innovation programs and business support activities on Curaçao.
The launch comes at a time when Curaçao and the wider Caribbean part of the Kingdom are increasingly focusing on entrepreneurship and SME financing as key pillars for economic diversification and resilience. Earlier this year, the Dutch government also expanded SME financing guarantee programs for entrepreneurs in Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten.
Minister Middelhof said he looks forward to continued collaboration within the platform and to joint efforts aimed at creating a more sustainable and competitive SME sector for Curaçao.