POND ISLAND, Sint Maarten – SMILE (Sint Maarten Innovation, Initiatives & Industries Linkup Event) will take place on November 2 and 3 at the University of St. Martin (USM).
It is an event that is open to the private sector, Government and USM students.
The organizers behind SMILE are the Sint Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA), the Chamber of Commerce & Industry, ORCO Bank, Global Resourcing, and 360° of Innovation.
There will be workshops by the World Bank about the tendering process for rebuilding projects; social media strategy; customer experience, SXM tendering law; tax compliance; digital business on Sint Maarten; CPR training; international and Caribbean business networking; hydroponic agriculture and applying for Qredits funding for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Certain business sectors will be providing updates such as ORCO (housing project for professionals), Port St. Maarten, the Maho Group and GreenBox.
“The networking conference is a much-needed event at this juncture in building back better. All local businesses interested should have the opportunity to be part of the phase of rebuilding the country.
“There will be a number of valuable presentations and workshops providing a wealth of information about doing business differently after Irma.
“This is where local businesses can find a niche that they can develop which can only enhance the economic development and ingenuity that is needed to continue moving the country forward in these challenging times.
“I encourage our business community to take part and learn about innovation and sustainable development that will be playing a key role in the post-Irma economy,” Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Stuart Johnson said on Thursday.
