Qredits Bonaire has launched a new loan pro­gramme aimed at helping micro and small businesses in Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius (the BES islands) adopt more sustainable practices. The so-called en­ergy loan, available as of Oc­tober 15, offers financing of up to US $50,000 at a 4.95% interest rate.

The loan is designed to sup­port businesses looking to invest in energy-saving or energy-generating solutions and aims to reduce energy consumption among micro, small, and medium-sized en­terprises (SMEs) in the BES islands. The initiative is made possible by Qredits Nether­lands, with the support of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and funding from Dutch bank ASN Bank and French bank BNP Paribas. “Sustainable entrepreneur­ship has become indispens­able for small businesses as well. With the Energy Loan, we can help entrepreneurs achieve this in an affordable way,” said Qredits Nether­lands commercial director Andre Dolsma. “It is in our DNA to provide practical solutions to the major chal­lenges faced by our society. This is how we help entre­preneurs prepare for the future.”

Becoming more sustain­able has benefits for both the environment and busi­ness, said Qredits Bonaire branch manager Milagros Blanken.

“By investing in sustain­able energy use and/or production solutions, busi­nesses can reduce their ex­penses, ensure operational continuity and contribute to lowering carbon dioxide emissions,” Blanken said. “For micro and small busi­nesses on the BES islands, this means better control of energy use and expenses, a more stable and predict­able energy supply, and in­creased resilience to power supply disruptions. Sustain­able initiatives also enhance a company’s image, which can foster growth.”

The Dutch Ministry of Eco­nomic Affairs is subsidising part of the interest expenses associated with the loan, making it easier for busi­nesses to implement sustain­able projects.

“As a government, we be­lieve it is important to sup­port entrepreneurs who want to make sustainable investments,” Dutch Min­ister of Economic Affairs Dirk Beljaarts said. “This helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions and creates a sus­tainable future for the com­ing generations. It also gives businesses a boost as their energy expenses decrease.”

More information about the energy loan is available on Qredits Bonaire’s web-site. Persons can also send an e-mail to bonaire@qredits.nl or call tel. 599-717-1412.

Qredits, established 16 years ago, provides financ­ing, coaching and training to small businesses.

The Daily Herald.