Minister Heyliger-Marten encourages entrepreneurs to register for SEDC training

GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten is encouraging entrepreneurs, small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and members of the creative sector to take advantage of upcoming training opportunities being offered through the St. Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Center, SEDC.

Registration remains open for several courses under SEDC’s Advanced Education Program, which is designed to strengthen business knowledge, improve entrepreneurial capacity and support long-term economic development.

“Economic development begins with people,” Minister Heyliger-Marten said. “As a Ministry, we recognize that supporting entrepreneurship is about more than access to financing. It is also about equipping people with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to compete and succeed.”

The upcoming courses will focus on Public Relations and Social Media Marketing, Financial Management and Decision-Making, and opportunities within the Creative and Film Industry.

For a registration fee of US $35 per course, participants will have access to professional-level training that would ordinarily cost significantly more. The Minister said the program provides practical value to persons who are building businesses, expanding services or seeking new opportunities within the local economy.

“Strong businesses contribute to a stronger economy. By investing in our entrepreneurs, we are investing in innovation, job creation and long-term economic resilience,” Minister Heyliger-Marten said.

The Minister encouraged all interested persons to register through SEDC’s website or Facebook page. For more information, persons may contact SEDC at 556-5653 this week, as most of the training is scheduled to begin next week.

Minister Heyliger-Marten also provided an update on recent inspections carried out by the Inspection Department of Economic and Transport Affairs, IETA, as part of government’s ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure compliance in the marketplace.

“While we support businesses and entrepreneurship, we must also ensure that the marketplace remains fair, transparent and compliant,” the Minister said.

Over the past several months, IETA has intensified inspections across multiple sectors to protect consumers, promote fair competition and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The inspections focused on maximum price controls, price display requirements, business and operational licenses, permit conditions and fuel pump calibration standards.

Minister Heyliger-Marten said these controls are important to maintaining public trust, especially in sectors that directly affect households and daily living costs. She emphasized that inspections are not intended to hinder businesses, but to ensure that all businesses operate under fair and transparent conditions.

The Minister said IETA will continue its inspection activities throughout 2026, including routine and unannounced controls.

She added that government will continue to support entrepreneurship while also ensuring that consumer rights, legal requirements and fair business practices are upheld.

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