On August 19, 2026, Haiti’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) hosted a landmark symbolic check presentation ceremony at Port-au-Prince’s Oasis Hotel, marking the disbursement of government grants to selected beneficiaries of three national entrepreneurship support programs for the 2025-2026 fiscal cycle. Designed to strengthen the operational capacity of emerging small businesses across the country, the three programs — the Youth Entrepreneurship Support Program (PAPEJ), the Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Program (PAEF), and the Integrated Business Development Program (PIDE) — were all developed and launched by the MCI to stimulate grassroots economic activity amid nationwide crisis.
Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé used the event to reinforce the government’s long-term commitment to economic revitalization, framing the grant disbursement as more than a policy action: it is a public declaration of faith in Haitian resilience. “In the life of a nation, certain moments speak louder than words, reminding us that even in times of crisis, hope continues to find its way,” Fils-Aimé told attendees. “Behind every act of support lies a simple yet powerful message: we still believe in Haiti’s capacity to rise again through hard work. We will rebuild our economy.”
The Prime Minister reiterated the administration’s goal of building a national business climate that welcomes domestic investment, expands local production, and cuts systemic unemployment, noting that every supported entrepreneur carries a story of persistence against extraordinary odds. Out of more than 2,500 project proposals submitted across the country, a total of 242 initiatives were selected for funding through the three programs. The selected projects are projected to generate 1,440 new direct jobs, numbers that Fils-Aimé stressed represent far more than statistics — they embody renewed economic security for hundreds of Haitian families and proof of grassroots commitment to national recovery.
MCI Minister James Monazard highlighted the remarkable sector diversity of the approved projects, spanning high-potential local industries from agro-processing of Haiti’s iconic native exports — including cocoa, coffee, and mangoes — to traditional crafts, digital technology, consumer services, the emerging green economy, and waste recycling. Addressing the beneficiary entrepreneurs in attendance, Monazard offered ongoing government backing beyond the initial grant disbursement: “I reiterate, you are not alone on this journey. The Haitian government, through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, will continue to walk alongside you and support you. We believe in your ability to grow your businesses, for yourselves, for your families, and for the entire Nation.”
Multiple senior government officials joined in praising the initiative, framing it as a critical cornerstone of the country’s economic recovery strategy. Sandra Palémon, Minister of Planning and External Cooperation, called the program a beacon of hope for Haiti’s struggling national economy. Serge Gabriel Colin, Minister of Economy and Finance, welcomed the large-scale public-private collaboration, noting that the initiative removes critical barriers that have long prevented young and emerging Haitian entrepreneurs from turning their ideas into sustainable businesses.
Mona-Lissa Dunbar, coordinator of the PAEF program, outlined the initiative’s core mission: to accelerate the expansion of grassroots entrepreneurship across Haiti as a driver of systemic national economic recovery. Multiple beneficiaries in attendance shared public statements expressing deep gratitude for the funding opportunity, noting that the grants fill a critical gap in access to capital that has derailed many early-stage Haitian small businesses.
Closing the ceremony, MCI Director General Paulémont thanked all participants and attendees for their engagement, emphasizing that the event represented far more than a routine check distribution. It embodies the Haitian government’s clear, concrete commitment to centering small business support, youth employment, and entrepreneurial initiative as core public policy priorities. “This initiative sends a clear message: Investing in entrepreneurs means investing in Haiti’s capacity to recover, to produce, and to build its future,” Paulémont said.