More than 240 entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals attended the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry's "Island Roots to Global Routes" Pre-Mission Assembly, far surpassing the expected attendance of 50 participants.
Held at the JW Marriott, the event prepared local businesses for the upcoming U.S. Business Expansion Mission and Expo, scheduled for November in Miami.
The program featured presentations on business funding, U.S. company formation, legal requirements, immigration strategies, international trade, and strategic partnerships. Representatives from chambers of commerce in French St. Martin, Aruba, and Anguilla also took part.
COCI says the event delivered immediate results, with 29 entrepreneurs beginning the process of establishing businesses in the United States and 25 companies pre-registering for the Miami trade mission.
COCI President Tamara Leonard said the strong turnout demonstrates the demand for greater access to international business opportunities, emphasizing the event's message of "No more gatekeeping" as the Chamber works to help local businesses compete on the global stage.