Entrepreneurs Ready to Grow with Incubator Programme

The latest cohort of 12 local micro and small business owners have graduated from phase one of the Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development’s (CICBD) Business Growth Incubator programme.

Chief Officer in the Ministry for Financial Services and Commerce (MFSC), Dr Dax Basdeo, gave the keynote address on behalf of the Premier and Minister for Financial Services and Commerce, Hon. André Ebanks MP, during the graduation ceremony at George Town Yacht Club on 18 June as the Premier was overseas on government business at this time.

“You contribute substantially to our robust, ever-diversifying business landscape. By doing so, you are providing jobs for our people, financial stability and independence for your families, and you are nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs,” Dr Basdeo said.

This year marked the fourth cohort of participants in the programme, with a total of 73 micro and small business owners gaining support since inception.

A range of entrepreneurs took part this year, from photographers and jewellers to bakers and farmers.

The participants were:

• Simone Lewis (Blush Essence);

• Danielle Bueker (Crooked By Design);

• Rohan Walters (David’s Jewelry Repair);

• Mariskca Blackman (Garden of Eden);

• Anne Donalds (Majestik Mealz);

• Patrizia Evans and Michael Garrett (Motus Vitae);

• Naomi Johnatty (Naomi Johnatty Photography);

• Sarais Chisholm (Pachamama);

• Laurie Ebanks (Staged);

• Tina Ebanks (Studio Two Sixteen);

• Anna Marin Chua (Sweet Crumbs Café); and

• Shayhnie Langlois (Willie’s Farm).

“The graduation ceremony marks the end of phase one of the programme,” CICBD Director Thais Ducent said. “They’ll now invest 12 months into developing growth strategies and implementing corporate governance structures.”

CICBD is under the remit of the MFSC and has additional events planned this summer.

On Thursday, 26 June, it will host the Raising Capital financial forum, designed to demystify funding, connect entrepreneurs to capital sources, and provide clarity on what attracts investors.

On 14-18 July, there will be a Teen-Preneurship summer camp aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs aged 14-17. The free initiative runs from 9am to 4pm at the CICBD office at Baytown Plaza.

Premier Ebanks provided a written message for the graduation programme to applaud the graduates for completing phase one’s 12-week programme, while still running their businesses.

“This was no small feat, and yet it was worthwhile because of the practical, immediately applicable knowledge you’ve gained,” Premier said. He added that the experience also was intended to boost their confidence to strengthen and expand their busineseses as the local economy evolves, in response to local and global developments.