by Martina
(England)
Hi there,
My husband and I are thinking of moving to Anguilla. We need to know if our skill sets would be able to provide us with work permits. My husband is a product designer and I am a croupier.
We are both British nationals.
We would also like to know if it is possible to start our own business there. Eventually we would like to own our own bar.
Thank you so much for your help. Your website provides much needed information.
Martina.
Dad's Reply Martina, I don't think there's a need for croupiers here since there are no casinos in Anguilla. If you're willing to commute to St. Maarten, there may be opportunities over there (there are casinos on the Dutch side). And I'm not sure what type of products we'd need to design here in Anguilla.
Every year, we see new restaurants on the island started by foreigners (regardless of skillsets), as well as the occasional other type of business. You need to have an Anguillian partner. So the best thing to do is to come over and get to know someone.
Once you have a feel for the island and meet someone you'd like to do business with, consult our attorney, Eustella. She'll take good care of you.
It can be done! :-)
Hope this helps,
Ken
by Jack
(California, USA)
I am an expert in Wifi and Wimax and would like to start a business providing these services to marinas and businesses but am wondering the availability of true high speed internet access via telephone or CATV companies.
Ken's Reply:Right now, this sort of thing is not easy. To start a business in Anguilla, you need a local Anguillian partner. "Silent partners" are frowned upon. Anguilla, logically, wants any business and at least part of its profits from businesses here in Anguilla to benefit Anguillians.
Also, the business needs to offer a product or service that benefits Anguilla, perhaps offer an expertise that does not exist here. For example, maybe you are an expert in green construction. Your business plan (that you submit to government) should demonstrate these benefits.
I don't know enough about wifi to say if Anguilla needs what your business would deliver. I know that all high-end hotels offer this already, as do most mid-range hotels. Some restaurants, too. Beyond that, there are a couple of Anguillians who do offer this service for businesses who want wifi.
I don't know enough about your expertise. Let's suppose that it is cutting edge technology that Anguilla would indeed find beneficial (we're talking hypothetically, now).
You would need to find and choose an Anguillian partner to start up your business in Anguilla. Since the government does not want a silent partner (called "fronting"), find someone with expertise in the area. That's a WIN-WIN for all involved.
How would you find the right person? Visit Anguilla and network. Get in touch with our attorney, Eustella, to find out more details about getting such a business started.
Like I said, I'm not sure if yours is a viable idea. I'm just trying to give you the big picture of starting a business in Anguilla.
By the way, this is one of the reasons that I would love to see Anguilla adopt a "live in Anguilla" policy for people with what I call "laptop skills." I would assume that with your skills, you are already sufficiently self-employed, earning sufficient income as a consultant or entrepreneur. If so...
Not only, with such a policy, could you live a very pleasant life here (while NOT taking the job of any Anguillian since you "bring your own employment), you'd meet and network on the island. Sooner or later, you'd meet the right person and start a business, either this or something related to the special skills and knowledge base that you possess.
Now that's a major WIN-WIN. It's wishful thinking for now, but you never know. :-)
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by Mike
(USA)
Over the years, people have asked about starting businesses that already exist here (ex., plumbing, groceries, trucking, and so forth). Here is one such recent question from Mike in the USA...
"I was wondering if there are big trucks in Anguilla and would it be easy for me to start my own industry in hauling if not? I would love to find out and relocate!"
In an island that is only 16 miles long, there is no need for "big trucks." Necessity for a business is the first thing to consider. If there is no need, it won't succeed.
Here is another question that arrived recently...
"My husband and I are looking for a new lifestyle and are looking into buying a large Catamaran Sailboat to take people on snorkelling and sailing tours. We have not settled on any 1 island yet. Do you have any input as to the viability of such a business in Anguilla, or where I can go to start looking?"
Here, you will be competing with already established local businesses that offer services to tourists. Without a strong Anguillian partner, this will be difficult.
Here are some general principles for being able to start a business in Anguilla.
1) Bring some unique talent that is not already here. For example, if you are an expert in residential solar power, there may be an opportunity for you.
2) Don't compete with the local work force for jobs or with existing businesses for clients. For example...
I have an Internet business. I work on a laptop from home, as do the 60+ employees/contractees. I don't take anyone's job and the business does not compete with any local businesses.
Anguilla has, though, plumbers and electricians, as well as transport and excavation and constructions businesses, for example. Starting a business in well-established sectors will be difficult. Obviously, if you have some good local connections and can gain local acceptance, it can be done, but it's not the best opportunity.
3) The tourist industry is well covered, of course. However, if you have a strong concept, are well backed financially, and have an Anguillian partner, you can start a new restaurant or even a smaller inn (this page is not for large companies who want to build the next Viceroy!).
Like any other country, if you are bringing something new to the island, that will add and contribute to its vitality, you have a good chance to get the permits and to succeed.
Businesses that involve the Internet, where you work from home, do not compete locally and serve a global marketplace, are probably your best opportunites as an individual.
by Tim Adams
(Windham NY)
Hmmmmm...I'm a professional brewer and there aren't any breweries in Anguilla. Perhaps the government would allow me to open a small brewery in Anguilla since there aren't any Anguillians currently providing that service?
I'm sure there are prohibitive expenses that limit the profitability of such a plan in Anguilla, and perhaps some red tape establishing the licensing (if any is required).
Certainly importing the necessary ingredients could be a hurtle. Sacks of grain, hops, and bottled CO2, not to mention all the fresh water that is necessary.
Almost none of the bars and restaurants offer draft beer or have the equipment to do so. A retail brewpub would be necessary for sales to keep it going.
I wonder if the locals and tourism would embrace and patronize a local brewery started by an American. I do know of a vacant beach bar that would make a terrific brewpub on the island.
Tim
Ken's Reply I'm beginning to get the idea that there is a group of strong and interesting people from around the world who could have a lot to contribute to island commerce.
Strictly speaking, Tim, I was talking more about "laptop workers" living in Anguilla. Laptop workers living in Anguilla would not "sell" anything to Anguillian, would only earn income from people/companies OUTSIDE of Anguilla.
The type of business you are considering is more of a "going concern" in Anguilla. You would need to have an Anguillian partner and hire Anguillians as you grow your business.
Not only is there a local market for this (which now drinks a variety of non-Anguillian beer), there could be an export market for this too (if you're any good at your trade, of course! ;-) ). But again, for this to fly, you'd really need the support of the population and for that to happen, it would need to be a true Anguillian venture.
I highly suggest contacting Eustella and ask for 1 hour of her time to get her advice. The amount of time you'd save from chatting in forums and getting bad-mixed-with-good information would be worth it.
-Ken
by Stephanie
(Alberta Canada)
My fiance and I are entertaining the idea of moving from Canada to Anguilla for a year or possibly longer. We own a skateboard/snowboard store now where we live and were thinking of opening a skateboard store in Anguilla.
Is there any kind of boarding community in Anguilla? Is there a demand for boarding of any type in Anguilla?
Thank you so much!
Ken's Reply: Paul, I can confidently report to you that there is no demand in Anguilla for snowboards! It would be difficult to board this type of snow in Anguilla! ;-)
What about water boards? There are some excellent opportunities here, but first let's rule out the "less likely" markets.
There is little demand for surfing gear here. Unlike Hawaii, surf is not always up. But when swells do arrive, there are two decent spots with sandy bottoms. My daughter (Nori) has gone out surfing at Meads Bay and Savannah Bay.
She has also gone a few miles offshore, where there are reefs with good surfing opportunities. This is "experts only," though. A friend of Nori's almost drowned out there. Nori would not even attempt it.
There are more surfing opportunities in St. Maarten/St. Martin. There is one store there, in Marigot, that offers a good range of surf gear (which is where Nori bought her board). And Nori has gone out for a surfing lesson from an instructor there.
Surfing would be a "missionary" build in Anguilla. You'd need to be an excellent surfer, get involved with the few who are really into the sport and then invite those who live here to take it up.
There is small group of local kids who skateboard, but there is no specific organization or dedicated skateboard park. This, too, would be a missionary build.
Where are the opportunities?
You could sell boogie boards to locals and rent them to tourists. That type of "surf" is always available! Other opportunities of this kind include stand-up paddle boards and kite surfing.
Here is more information on Anguilla water sports (surfing, paddle-boarding, kite-surfing), some of which may offer good opportunity. Contact Thierry (we talk about him on that page) for more information.
Perhaps there is something that you two could do together! There just may be a business in rentals/services to tourists and building a local community. If you are expert in this area, that goes a long way to building credibility and community.
by Marcelle Borel
(Trinidad & Tobago)
Hi, my cousin and I would like to know how difficult it is to open a speciality Grill & Bar ( Speciality cocktails, drinks, and Foods ) . I hail from the twin island of Trinidad and Tobago , while she born a Trinidadian, lives in Winnipeg. My experience is in the Hospitality Industry ( many years as a Manager of small/medium family hotel/resorts, while she is soon to become retired as a School Teacher.
We want to do something worthwhile and Anguilla is our first choice.
Can you please advise.
Thanking you.
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