MARIGOT--The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Saint-Martin (CCISM) brought together entrepreneurs, digital technology professionals and business support organizations for its E-Weekend 2026, highlighting practical ways local businesses can use digital tools to improve efficiency, understand their markets and create new opportunities for growth.
The event, which continued on Saturday, October 10, featured 12 exhibitors showcasing digital solutions designed to meet the needs of businesses of different sizes and sectors. Entrepreneurs were able to explore available technologies, consult industry professionals and receive guidance on integrating digital solutions into their daily operations.
A central message throughout the event was that digital transformation should not be viewed as something reserved for large companies. Instead, CCISM emphasized that smaller businesses can also benefit from affordable, practical and appropriately selected digital tools to strengthen their operations and competitiveness.
Two masterclasses provided participants with insights into how digital technology can address everyday business challenges.
Lisette Brooks, founder of Eclectik, focused on the importance of data and market intelligence in helping entrepreneurs better understand their business environment, identify trends and recognize new development opportunities. Her presentation emphasized how access to relevant information can support stronger business decisions and more effective planning.
Daisy Vaillant, founder of Gestapart, addressed the digitalization of administrative and management tasks. She demonstrated the value of using digital solutions to reduce time spent on routine activities, improve organization and allow business owners to focus more attention on developing their companies.
In addition to the masterclasses, participating entrepreneurs benefited from individual 30-minute consultations with digital professionals. These sessions allowed business owners to discuss challenges specific to their operations and identify solutions suited to their activities, resources and objectives.
The personalized consultations formed an important part of the event's approach, recognizing that businesses have different levels of digital experience and require solutions tailored to their circumstances.
The E-Weekend also featured the Guavaberry Networking gathering, which provided an opportunity for entrepreneurs, technology providers and business support organizations to exchange ideas on the role of digitalization in Saint-Martin's economic development.
The discussions centered on a key question: How can digital technology respond to the needs of local businesses and support their continued growth?
Opening remarks were delivered by CCISM First Vice-President Jeanne Vanterpool and General Manager Luciana Raspail, who emphasized the importance of making digital support accessible, practical and responsive to the needs of Saint-Martin's business community.
Romain Plagneux of Dauphin Telecom, a business partner of the event, also highlighted the essential role of digital services in supporting business development.
A panel discussion featuring Daisy Vaillant and Lisette Brooks examined how entrepreneurs can make better use of available technologies to simplify routine operations, improve decision-making and identify new opportunities.
The discussions reinforced several priorities for local businesses, including reducing administrative workloads through digital tools, selecting technologies suited to their actual needs, using data to understand market conditions and seeking professional guidance when introducing new systems.
Participants were encouraged to approach digital transformation as a gradual and practical process rather than an expensive or complicated undertaking.
French Tech Guadeloupe participated as a partner of E-Weekend 2026, contributing a regional perspective on innovation and entrepreneurship.
The organization presented its mission of connecting entrepreneurs, technology professionals and innovation stakeholders to encourage knowledge-sharing, strengthen professional networks and develop opportunities for collaboration.
Its participation highlighted the value of regional partnerships in helping Saint-Martin businesses access expertise, innovative solutions and broader professional networks.
CCISM also acknowledged the support of Dauphin Telecom, whose partnership contributed to the event's networking and business development activities.
Through E-Weekend 2026, CCISM sought to demonstrate that digital technology can provide practical benefits to businesses regardless of their size or industry.
Whether through improved administrative management, stronger market analysis, better customer engagement or more efficient daily operations, the event emphasized the importance of identifying digital solutions that respond to real business needs.
The combination of exhibitions, training sessions, networking opportunities and individual consultations gave participating entrepreneurs several ways to explore those possibilities.
CCISM reaffirmed its commitment to accompanying Saint-Martin businesses through their digital transformation, providing access to information, expertise and partnerships that can support sustainable business development.
The Chamber said its objective remains to ensure that digitalization becomes an accessible opportunity for the entire Saint-Martin business community, helping entrepreneurs strengthen their operations and position themselves for future growth.
