Informational Session Impact Hub Aruba

The event was not only intended for participants of the O’STAD Incubator, but for all members of Impact Hub Aruba. During the session, opportunities for establishing businesses in the downtown area of Oranjestad were discussed. In this context, the “New Oranjestad” platform was presented as a tool to stimulate urban and economic development.

The Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Primary Sector, Geoffrey Wever, shared detailed information with the incubators and the Impact Hub Aruba community on two new fiscal incentive measures.

The two measures explained by Minister Wever were the Start-Up Scheme and the Preferential Policy for Investments in Oranjestad. The latter is specifically designed to attract investment and stimulate real estate development in downtown Oranjestad.

During his presentation, Minister Wever emphasized that the Start-Up Scheme is not a stand-alone measure, but forms part of a broader economic strategy aimed at strengthening the local business base, creating high-quality jobs, and increasing economic resilience. According to the Minister, a strong economy begins with local businesses being given the opportunity to grow in a healthy manner, supported by fiscal discipline and a clear focus on creating sustainable value for Aruba and its people.

The new fiscal incentive measures are collectively aimed at promoting and facilitating trade and investment in Aruba, strengthening the economy, and creating a robust and attractive urban center that can be enjoyed by all residents of Aruba.

The Start-Up Scheme applies to companies that wish to establish themselves in the so-called promising sectors, as defined by the Department of Economic Affairs, Trade and Industry. These sectors include, among others, cultural and medical tourism, the knowledge economy, logistics, the agricultural economy, the circular economy, and the creative industries. By focusing on these sectors, the government promotes economic diversification and reduces dependence on traditional activities, thereby contributing to long-term economic stability.

For companies established on or after January 1, 2026, in one of the promising sectors, the scheme offers tax relief during the first five years of operation. This includes measures designed to improve liquidity and facilitate reinvestment, such as an annual profit exemption of up to AWG 50,000, an enhanced investment allowance, and the possibility of partial deduction of commercial loans. At the same time, the policy maintains clear requirements: participating companies must demonstrate annually that they reinvest at least 15% of their gross revenue into business growth, maintain a minimum staffing level appropriate to the scale of their operations, and meet the requirement of having a genuine economic presence in Aruba.

The link between entrepreneurship and urban revitalization was also highlighted by Impact Hub Aruba during the final phase of the O’STAD Incubator. Currently, nine start-ups are preparing for Demo Day, where they will present their businesses to a jury and local investors. All of these start-ups have completed an intensive twelve-week training and mentorship program delivered by experts from Impact Hub Aruba, the University of Aruba, the Chamber of Commerce, and other professionals from various disciplines relevant to building and scaling businesses.

According to Minister Wever, initiatives such as the O’STAD Incubator and the Start-Up Scheme complement each other and demonstrate how economic policy can be translated into tangible opportunities for entrepreneurs, particularly in downtown Oranjestad. The ultimate goal is not only to create new businesses, but also to revitalize the city center, stimulate investment in existing properties, and foster a diversified, dynamic, and resilient economy.

Through this approach, the Government of Aruba reaffirms its commitment to balanced economic development, in which entrepreneurship, innovation, and fiscal responsibility go hand in hand. The Start-Up Scheme, which came into effect on January 1, 2026, represents an important step toward a stronger, more diversified, and future-ready Aruban economy.