The Government of Aruba, through Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Primary Sector Geoffrey Wever, has launched the first trade mission under the StartAruba program, created to support young, local, and innovative entrepreneurs. The initiative advances the AVP–FUTURO 2025–2028 governing program’s vision to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship among Aruba’s youth.
Conceived about a year ago from an idea by Vincent Storemans, Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Aruba, Minister Wever was introduced to Michael Dooijes, founder of the successful ScaleNL program in the Netherlands. ScaleNL has helped Dutch startups expand to Silicon Valley, access new markets, and attract international investors. Inspired by that success, Dooijes offered his expertise to help Aruba establish a similar platform—StartAruba—which is now becoming reality with the first Aruban delegation departing for Atlanta, USA.
StartAruba partners include Aruba Bank N.V., Setar N.V., Impact Hub Aruba, Frapa Real Estate, the Aruba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Atlanta, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. The close collaboration between Aruba’s public and private sectors—and between Aruba and the Netherlands—aims to build a dynamic ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.
As part of the mission, nine visionary Aruban entrepreneurs were selected to represent Aruba at the Venture Atlanta Conference, one of the leading technology and investment events in the United States. Participants will receive coaching and training from international experts, including Dooijes, attend workshops and networking events, and pitch directly to top-tier global investors.
“StartAruba is a concrete result of an idea born a year ago and made real today. Thanks to the collaboration of so many local and international partners, we can give our young entrepreneurs a real chance to grow, seek new markets, and broaden their horizons,” said Minister Geoffrey Wever. “This is a direct step in the AVP–FUTURO government’s vision to strengthen our economy, promote innovation and sustainable growth, and help our youth turn their talents into business success.”
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/gobierno-di-aruba-ta-lansa-e-prome-mision-comercial-di-e-programa-startaruba
