You're Not Alone - Businesswise, That Is

​I didn’t mean to start on a creepy note - but it’s true. Horror movie references aside, you have more guidance and resources at your fingertips than you might think.
Let me explain.

A little over ten years ago, I took the same steps outlined in my Business Kickstart Guide to start my own business. But back then, finding the right information was like being a hawk scanning the desert for the tiniest prey - frustrating and exhausting. 🏜️👀

The ladies at the Chamber of Commerce Curaçao’s information desk- bless their hearts ❤️ - knew about as much as I did. They were great at pointing out which info materials to grab but couldn’t provide much beyond that.

I still have those materials, by the way. Just black-and-white A4 printouts in that old-school typewriter font straight out of the late ’90s. 📄🖨️ Last time I visited, they still had the same ones. Even the business plan template looks like it’s begging for a makeover. (Probably because the title still reads: Business plan 1999.) 😅

But - here’s some good news! 🎉 
Unlike back then, many of the forms you need are now available online. You can even apply for a CRIB number digitally - a huge step forward compared to the old days of running from office to office with stacks of paperwork. 🏃‍♂️📑

And there is more progress worth celebrating! ✨
I’ve been genuinely impressed by what’s coming out of Empresa Chikí 🚀, the Chamber of Commerce’s social media initiative for small businesses. They’re actively sharing webinars - many of them free - on everything from business branding 🎨 to the nitty-gritty of being a sole proprietor (eenmanszaak) 💼 and what that means for your taxes. 💰

I wish I’d had access to resources like this when I was starting out. If you’re a small business owner, I highly recommend following them for valuable insights and upcoming webinars.

Like I said, you’re not alone - businesswise. And that’s a really good thing. 🤝

👉 Follow Empresa Chikí.

May your paperwork be minimal and your success be massive! 

With Love,
​Shan

I wasn't kidding! I still have them!