Initiative Saint-Martin Active, one of the most successful structures in France

More than four hundred people have entered the door of Initiative Saint-Martin Active last year. Four hundred people most of whom were unemployed but with an enterprise project in mind.

Starting a business is one of the ways in Saint-Martin to not stay unemployed. This is a very strong trend that boosts economic development. Projects accompanied by Initiative Saint-Martin Active helped to invest more than 1.3 million euros into the local economy by 2015. About 120 jobs were created or maintained.

For over fifteen years the platform has accompanied young entrepreneurs and grants them honor loans, the microcredit concept has proven its effectiveness on the French side of the island. Just like in the other territories where this funding model is available. In 2002, 8 loans were granted. In 2014, there were 64. And last year, 23 additional files were validated. 380,000 € were paid out for honor loans and 127,000 € for bank guarantees. This helps to create a 2.4 leverage effect. That means that for every euro invested by Initiative Active Saint-Martin, the banks contribute 2.4 euros. In all, 927,000 euros in bank loans (and other additional subsidies) were also mobilized, last year.

TERRITORIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Of course, microcredit allows individuals to set out on the business adventure and create their own jobs and also participate in the development of their territory. During the innovation awards ceremony on April 29, all the candidates indeed had - besides of course their willingness to succeed professionally and allow new ideas to emerge - this desire to bring added value to their island. And it is precisely this territorial entrepreneurship and societal (and social) commitment that the platform director, Marc Chakhtoura, has wished to foster.

With his team of eight people (and also about 40 volunteers), he wants to "give all entrepreneurs the opportunity to be able to develop and create a network”.

THE ENTREPRENEUR’S CARAVAN

In addition, Initiative Saint-Martin Active will start this year the "The Entrepreneur’s Caravan" which will stop in all the island neighborhoods. The idea is to go and reach out to young people and help them with their project. "They are motivated, they have the potential and capacities but sometimes don’t understand the administration’s language, and they shouldn’t abandon their idea just because they don’t master the legal jargon. We must give them their chance," said Marc Chakhtoura.

All the actions thus implemented by Initiative Saint-Martin Active have enabled the platform to be ranked among the five best and most successful in France.