Young innovators take centre stage at CICBD’s annual Small Business Expo

By Staff Writer

Twenty-eight small-business exhibitors displayed their goods and services at the Indigo Hotel last week during the annual Small Business Expo, organised by the Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD).

This year’s Expo was held under the theme: “Island Innovation: Powered by Possibility.”

The keynote speaker, the Honourable André M. Ebanks, Premier and Minister for Financial Services and Commerce, encouraged the small-business leaders in attendance to identify their purpose. Drawing on Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life, Premier Ebanks urged them to find the work that inspires them and makes their “heart skip a beat.”

Premier Ebanks also encouraged the small business owners to ask themselves several key questions: “What problem is my business trying to solve? Who benefits from my services and products? Have I defined my target market? What skills and finances do I need to grow the business?”

The Director of the CICBD, Mrs. Thais Ducent, spoke about the work of the organisation and the support it provides to people who dream of starting a business, entrepreneurs working to keep their doors open and business owners ready to take their ventures to the next level.

“Our work isn’t simply about business plans and training sessions. It’s about helping people build livelihoods, create jobs, support their families and contribute to our economy,” Mrs. Ducent said.

A highlight of the Expo was the Youth Pitch Competition. Following a review of 29 applications, five finalists presented their business ideas to the judges.

The overall winner was 13-year-old Damoya Fearon, a student at Cayman Prep & High School and the sole founder of SargaPower. Her presentation focused on converting sargassum from Cayman’s beaches and nearshore waters into biogas and fertiliser.

Second place went to Geslie Range, an accounting student at the University College of the Cayman Islands. Her product, Cayman Pass, is a youth-focused platform designed to help young Cayman residents discover, plan and access local recreational experiences based on their budget, interests and availability.

John Gray High School Year 11 student Josiah Davidson presented ReadyGo, a project aimed at ensuring that all residents are fully prepared before a hurricane or other natural disaster strikes.

Kylen McLean and Nyla Christian, the Head Boy and Head Girl of John Gray High School, presented Solisea Energy. Their project addresses the United Nations’ seventh Sustainable Development Goal by promoting clean energy in the Cayman Islands.

Sachin Pandohie, a 13-year-old student at St Ignatius Catholic School, presented a project intended to help drivers manage their vehicles more effectively on the road and reduce the number of accidents on the island.

“At CICBD, we believe that investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs is an investment in the future of the Cayman Islands. And that’s why youth entrepreneurship is an area we’re especially passionate about.” Mrs. Duscent noted.

The CICBD provides business-development support through advocacy, training, and consultation, as well as by facilitating access to funding for Cayman’s small businesses.