Aruba is known for more for beaches than bootstrapping, but StartAruba is working with the Dutch consulate to forge a bright future for startups entering the U.S. market via Atlanta.

Ten startups from the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba will fly north to Atlanta in October on a trip aimed at exploring the city’s promise as a gateway into the U.S. market.  

The island, known more for tourism over technology, is to send some of its best entrepreneurs on a weeklong trip hosted by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Atlanta and led by StartAruba.

While here, they’ll gain complimentary access to the Venture Atlanta conference and experience hands-on workshops with established industry leaders along with exclusive networking and dinner events. 

“The inaugural StartAruba Mission to Atlanta represents a bold step toward deepening ties between Aruba’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the Southeastern United States — a region known for its fast-growing innovation hubs, dynamic business communities, and strong cultural ties to the Caribbean,” Kaoutar Ashour, program director at StartAruba, told Global Atlanta in an emailed statement. 

Atlanta’s appeal stems from its capital scene and its reputation for “inclusive innovation,” an aspect of the city the Dutch consulate has leaned into as it promotes ties between the region and the Dutch island countries of the Caribbean. 

Especially during and after the Dutch royal visit in 2024, Consul General Jaap Veerman has emphasized efforts to connect Black-owned businesses in the U.S. with global markets via the Netherlands, whether in hiphop, the arts, or sustainable fashion. He has also expanded ties with historically Black colleges in the realms of logistics and marine science. 

This mission inverts that trend, helping Arubans enter the United States and establish partnerships that could help them grow and create jobs back home. Similar sports, business and cultural delegations from Curaçao and Sint Maarten have touched down in Atlanta, though with less of a laser focus on scaling startups.  

“This mission offers Aruba-based founders a unique opportunity to plug into Atlanta’s vibrant network, gain exposure on an international stage and form meaningful cross-border collaborations,” Ms. Ashour said. 

Hosts on the initiative include the City of Atlanta, Venture Atlanta, and the Netherlands Consulate General in Atlanta, alongside supporting partners from Aruba’s entrepreneurial ecosystem: 

Applications for participation from Aruba ended Sept. 24, but Atlantans seeking to learn how they can interact with the delegation while they’re here should visit https://www.startaruba.com/get-involved. 

As managing editor of Global Atlanta, Trevor has spent 15+ years reporting on Atlanta’s ties with the world. An avid traveler, he has undertaken trips to 30+ countries to uncover stories on the perils...

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