The well-preserved Cathedral Notre-Dame of Cap-Haitien. Photo by Kesler Pierre.

Stages two and three of the Konkou Biznis Ayiti business plan competition will take place in lovely Cap-Haitien, Haiti's 2nd largest city after the capital Port-au-Prince. Cap-Haitien (Okap or Kapayisyen in Haitian Creole) is a seaport, commercial center, and center of much of Haiti's historic struggle for independence.

Near the city are the ruins of Roi Christophe's Sans-Souci Palace and the UNESCO World Heritage site, La Citadelle Laferrière which was built to stave off attacks from the French in the 1800s. The views offered by La Citadelle are breathtaking and it is said that Cuba can be spotted on a clear day.

Despite heavy deforestation, there is still much natural beauty in this former "Pearl of the Antilles". Cap-Haitien's coast is wreathed by beaches. Though the best ones are attached to hotels, they are accessible via a sinuous road a few kilometers from the historic city center.

Today Cap-Haitien's population is estimated at between 500,000 and 800,000 people. Much migration from rural areas has occurred as agriculturalists find it impossible to support their families in the countryside. The number of residents in slums such as Shada are ever-increasing though Cap remains peaceful, especially compared to the turbulent capital. The UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSTAH, remains in Haiti, their mandate having been extended until October 2010.

In terms of industry, there are few large businesses in the city aside from those focusing on agriculture or construction. We hope that the winner of the Konkou Biznis Ayiti can help create jobs in the region as well as spur new industries.