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🚀 Enterprise Support Project Empowers Sint Maarten MSMEs
US$20.1M in financing delivered to 325 businesses, as ESP pivots to creating permanent small business support systems • March 2026 • IVIEWX Company
📊 Key Facts
- 325 businesses financed since 2020, with 39% being start-ups.
- Over 43% of beneficiaries are women-led businesses.
- ESP supported over 600 jobs and contributed to a 30% revenue increase for MSMEs.
- Over 350 entrepreneurs participated in ESP-funded training and coaching programs.
About the Enterprise Support Project (ESP)
Since 2020, ESP, implemented by the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB), has strengthened Sint Maarten’s small business ecosystem post-Hurricane Irma (2017). Through loans, grants, and coaching, the project has enabled local businesses to build resilience and grow sustainably.
💰 Financing Achievements
From grant and loan applications closing in February 2025, ESP disbursed $20.1 million to 325 businesses across sectors including hospitality, transportation, healthcare, and agriculture. 38 beneficiaries received 8 months of personalized business coaching. Preliminary results show over 600 jobs supported and 30% revenue growth for participating MSMEs.
🎓 Training & Capacity Building
ESP funded public and private training programs, ensuring accessibility for entrepreneurs. Highlights include:
- 221 entrepreneurs trained via the Small Business Academy (Qredits)
- 84 business owners completed the Entrepreneurship Development Program (SEDC)
- Skills enhanced include daily operations, financial management, and long-term planning
🌱 Transition to Long-Term Support Systems
With financing completed, ESP is now creating permanent, government-led support structures for small businesses, in collaboration with the Ministry of TEATT. Key initiatives include:
- Studying financing challenges for small businesses and providing practical solutions
- Developing standardized guidelines for business support programs
- Offering ongoing one-on-one coaching for long-term success
- Monitoring and evaluating impact through job surveys and business performance metrics
✨ Beneficiary Spotlight!.
Rose-Anne D. Wilson-Sagnia, Director of Sint Maarten Medical, leveraged ESP financing and coaching to expand her business. “ESP allowed me to reach a higher level—dream bigger, purchase professional equipment, and plan for future growth, including franchises and regional expansion,” she shared.
Voices from ESP Leadership!.
“ESP is a proven model for small business development. With financing complete, we are focused on ensuring Sint Maarten’s SMEs thrive long-term.” – Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of TEATT
“More than 300 businesses benefited from financing and coaching. Our next step is embedding these tools into permanent government support.” – Claret Connor, NRPB Director
Looking Ahead.
ESP’s next phase focuses on creating enduring support systems for small businesses in Sint Maarten. The initiative is funded by the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, financed by the Government of the Netherlands, and managed by the World Bank. Its legacy is designed to strengthen resilience, foster growth, and support the island’s entrepreneurs well beyond 2028.
Published by IVIEWX Company – Your authority source for business development, small business growth, and SME insights in the Caribbean and beyond.
Tags
Banks & Finance
business coaching
Enterprise Support Project
Entrepreneurship
ESP
Finances
IVIEWX
MSME support
Sint Maarten
small business financing
Trust Fund
