- 300+ small businesses have received US$19.3 million in financing to help them operate and grow—124 are owned or managed by women (as of June 30, 2025)
- 374 individual owners have received training in financial literacy and business basics, like planning, marketing, and taxes
From Farm to Fit Foods
Born in Romania, Catalina Ahlip grew up on a farm where her connection to nature, soil, and fresh produce began. “The love for the earth, the seasons, the simplicity of good food. I’ve always been around it,” she says.
After moving to Sint Maarten, she explored many career paths but something was missing. “I wanted to do something more, something that would touch people’s hearts.” That desire led her to a life-changing decision: opening a restaurant called Fit Foods that focuses on nutrition.
At first, many thought she was crazy. But her belief in herself and her love for serving others was unwavering. She started small, with just US$300 in her pocket, making sure every penny counted. “I knew I had to start small and grow organically.”
Good Food Sparks Growth
Catalina began her bistro by offering fresh juices, simple bakery items, and daily specials. “I created a demand,” she says. “When people taste good food, they come back.” So, the business grew, and within three years her team grew to 13.
As the demand grew, so did the need for more space. "I knew I had to expand," she explains. "I wanted my team to dance Bachata in the kitchen, to feel inspired and connected to the food they were preparing!"
For additional financial support, Catalina applied to the Enterprise Support Project, implemented by the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) and funded by the Sint Maarten Trust Fund. The project aims to support the recovery and resilience of existing and new micro, small, and medium enterprises in Sint Maarten.
“We take much pride and share our love and good food with our community. They love it every time they come in to the bistro... Success doesn’t come overnight, but when you do it from the heart, everything falls into place.”
— Catalina Ahlip, Chef and Owner, Fit Foods, a health-focused bistro in Sint Maarten that received support from the Enterprise Support Project
Rooted in Community
Catalina credits much of her success to her philosophy of multi-tasking and creating long-term relationships with her employees: “When you teach people how to do multiple things, they feel valued. And when they feel valued, they stay.”
Fit Foods has become more than a restaurant. “Everyone who comes in here, they know each other. It’s like a family.” This is exactly what she envisioned when she opened the bistro.
Her next big step was expanding into Princess Juliana International Airport. “Sint Maarten needed a healthier option for travelers,” she says. She successfully pitched her idea to airport authorities and secured a space to showcase her food in the busy hub.
By empowering entrepreneurs like Catalina, the Enterprise Support Project is not only helping businesses grow—it’s contributing to job creation, community spirit, and long-term economic resilience in Sint Maarten.