Small Business Bootcamp Powers Up Women Entrepreneurs Across Cayman

In a landmark year marking its 60^th anniversary and the 30^th anniversary of its Training Centre, the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce is doubling down on its commitment to local business with a powerful initiative aimed at women entrepreneurs.

On Wednesday, 6 August, the Chamber — partnering with the SheTrades Caribbean Regional Hub and the Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD) — officially relaunched the Small Business Bootcamp, a three-part series packed with practical insights and regional expertise. The revamped boot camp drew a standing-room-only audience each night, attracting an enthusiastic crowd of women entrepreneurs and small business owners eager to grow and compete in a rapidly changing market.

Real-World Tools for Real Business Growth

The series kicked off with “Financing Your Business for Growth,” led by renowned financial strategist Linval O. Johnson. With over 20 years of experience in economic empowerment, Johnson delivered more than just tips—he challenged entrepreneurs to shift their mindset.

“When it comes to entrepreneurship, people are neither good nor bad—they’re either trained or untrained,” Johnson told the audience. “Confidence must be grounded in real belief, backed by skill.”

Johnson’s session offered a potent mix of strategy and motivation. Key takeaways included:

• Believe in your business – Self-doubt kills growth; mindset is your foundation.

• Sharpen your skills – Ongoing learning separates the dreamers from the doers.

• Clarify your offer – If you can’t explain it clearly, you can’t sell it.

• Act consistently – Progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about momentum.

• Sell value, not just products – Focus on offers that generate income and solve real problems.

The evening concluded with a lively Q&A and networking session, providing participants with an opportunity to delve deeper and connect with their peers.

Marketing That Means Business

On Thursday, 7 August, Lynn Markoff of Convey Communications took the stage with “Marketing & Branding in the Digital Age.” Markoff broke down the essentials of modern marketing—everything from the four Ps (Product, Price, Promotion, Packaging) to digital tools like email marketing and e-commerce platforms.

She pushed participants to move beyond surface-level branding:

• Research your market and understand your competition.

• Define your target audience and craft a clear, compelling message.

• Build a marketing plan with purpose—not panic.

“It wasn’t just ‘pick a logo and post frantically,’” said Roz Griffiths, owner of Chatterbox. “It was about thoughtful, strategic messaging.”

Ms. Knight, founder of E-Naturals Hair Care, added:

“It reminded me why a strong vision statement matters—and how your brand has its own identity, separate from you.”

From Operations to Export

The final session on Friday, 8 August, led by Gregory Fletcher of Clear Consulting, focused on the nuts and bolts of operations, sales, and service exports.

Fletcher focused on aligning back-end systems with front-end experience, highlighting the importance of internal consistency, effective sales strategies, and scalable business models for regional growth.

“Your operations need to deliver on your brand promise,” Fletcher said. “And your market isn’t just local—it’s regional, and potentially global.”

More to Come: Deep Dives Ahead

Building on the success of the bootcamp, the Chamber will host follow-up sessions with each expert speaker:

• “Tell Your Brand Story” with Lynn Markoff:

Thursday, 29 August | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

• Financial Empowerment Series with Linval O. Johnson:

Dates to be announced – a continuation of “From Paychecks to Profits”

• Lunch & Learn with Gregory Fletcher:

Thursday, 19 September | 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

These sessions reflect the Chamber’s long-standing mission: to equip local entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and connections they need to grow. And in this milestone year, that mission is more relevant — and more powerful — than ever.

“This year’s bootcamp was centred around three core pillars—financing, branding, and operations,” said Chamber CEO Wil Pineau. “Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, we’re here to meet you where you are and help you move forward.”

He also emphasised the importance of cross-Caribbean collaboration:

“You belong here. Cayman is part of this region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We want women across the Caribbean to connect, collaborate, and thrive—together. Join the SheTrades network. It will enable you to connect to an international network and learn from each other.”

https://www.shetrades.com/project/itc-shetrades-hubs/  

For more information about upcoming events, visit www.caymanchamber.ky .