It may not be earth-shattering news, but the planned opening of a Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) in October (see Monday edition) is significant. For one thing, there are many persons currently engaged in economic activities who lack the information, means and guidance to properly regulate their affairs.
If these often informal entrepreneurs become successful, not having everything in order could turn out to be a big headache later on. The end result may even be jeopardising the very venture they have worked so hard to build up.
Then there are others with good ideas, but who aren’t quite aware how to execute them or where to start. A helping hand can make a big difference, which is why the recent initiative on the French side of a mobile unit providing such services to the districts was also applauded in this column.
The proof of the pudding for both will be in the eating, of course, but it’s reported in today’s paper that office equipment for the proposed centre in the new Ms. Lalie Complex on Bush Road has already been secured. The latter certainly inspires confidence that this won’t be just another project which is announced with much fanfare only to die an early death.
Small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) are recognised globally as the backbone of most communities and St. Maarten is no exception. Strengthening this sector therefore makes all the sense in the world.
