Empowering Local Farmers and Fishermen with 12 Weeks of Intensive Training
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten – Qredits proudly launched its first Agriculture Business
Academy on July 3, 2025, in Sint Maarten—a transformative initiative aimed at
strengthening the island’s agricultural and fishery sector through a blend of business and
agricultural education. With 19 motivated participants (most of them existing entrepreneurs
in the sector) in attendance at the launch, the program will span 12 weeks, offering practical
training in farming, agri-innovation, entrepreneurship, business finance, and sustainable
practices.
This pioneering program is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs,
Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) and funded by Temporary Work
Organization (Dutch Ministry of Kingdom Relations) and organized by Qredits Sint
Maarten, and SOFIN (Social Finance Consulting). The Agri Business Academy represents
a collaborative effort to drive food security, economic empowerment, and agricultural
innovation in Sint Maarten.
The program is offered free of charge to all participants, removing financial barriers and
ensuring that any committed individual with a passion for agriculture has the opportunity to
benefit from expert training and support.
Participants will receive instruction from two respected local experts: Mrs. Lucrecia Lynch
and Mr. Denicio Wyatte, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in agriculture and
business development. Their guidance will be instrumental in equipping participants with the
practical tools and insight needed to build sustainable agribusiness ventures.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be eligible to apply for a
unique Qredits loan of max $ 50,000 with an interest rate of 2%. This program is
specifically designed to support new and existing agribusiness and fishery ventures and
underscores Qredits’ commitment to creating real, long-term opportunities for local
entrepreneurs.
The Agri Business Academy was officially opened by Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten
from TEATT. “As Minister of TEATT, I am proud to support this initiative that not only
builds capacity in agriculture but also strengthens our economy and promotes food
resilience,” stated the Minister. “Empowering our people through knowledge and opportunity
is the cornerstone of our sustainable development goals, and this academy is a bold step in
that direction.”
The program is being managed by Elwin Groenevelt, Founder of Qredits and now CEO of
SoFin, who played a key role in bringing the agricultural projects to life on Aruba, Curaçao
and Bonaire and now on Sint Maarten. “We believe in the power of entrepreneurship as a tool
for social and economic transformation,” said Groenevelt. “This Academy will not only help
participants build viable business plans, but it will also contribute to innovation and food
security on the island. ”
Also present at the launch was Bernise Stoffer, representing RVO as the Project Manager
for the E6 Country Packages on behalf of the Dutch Ministry via Temporary Work
Organization (Landspakket), who emphasized the program’s alignment with broader
Kingdom goals: “This academy reflects a shared vision across the Kingdom to empower
entrepreneurs, promote sustainable agriculture, and build stronger, more resilient
communities in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.”
Participants in the program range from new farmers and fishermen to existing agricultural
and fishery business owners, all driven by a common goal: to grow and thrive in the food
sector. With expert facilitators, hands-on workshops, personalized coaching, access to
affordable financing, and no cost to enroll, the Academy is poised to make a lasting impact
on Sint Maarten’s economy and food systems.