Cayman Small Business Expo Set to Return on October 3rd

30 September 2024 | Press Release | By: Hollie Whitelocke

Building on the success of last year’s event, the Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD) and the Ministry of Investment, Innovation, and Social Development (MIISD) are excited to announce the 2024 Small Business Expo. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Hotel Indigo, offering a full day of learning, networking, and collaboration under the theme, “Linking Local, Going Global: A Future-Forward Expo”. The Expo’s theme emphasises the importance of empowering local businesses to scale and compete in the global marketplace.

The Expo will bring together the best of Cayman’s small business community, highlighting opportunities for local enterprises to scale and expand into global markets. Registration for the event is free of charge, and participants can sign up now via the registration.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Investment, Innovation, and Social Development, Hon. André Ebanks, spoke to the vital role of small businesses and the significance of the Expo:
"Small businesses are the core innovators, job creators, and community builders that strengthen the fabric of our Islands. This year's theme, 'Linking Local, Going Global: A Future-Forward Expo,' speaks to the Ministry’s commitment through the CICBD to support these local businesses in not just succeeding at home but also abroad; driving significant societal change with innovative ideas.”

Throughout the day, attendees will have access to workshops and panel discussions designed to equip them with knowledge and practical skills essential for growth in an increasingly globalised and digital economy.

This year’s Expo will feature a robust schedule of workshops, panel discussions, exhibition booths and networking opportunities designed to help Caymanian small businesses thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Speakers and Panelists:

  • 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Azure Ballroom
    Youth Panel: From Tech Savvy to Business Ready: Preparing the next generation of youth entrepreneurs
    Panelists:
    • Brianna Wilson (The Design Space)
    • Kirk Douglas (Digital Douglas)
    • Bruce Gordon (Zeal) 
    • Asher Lopez (AL Studios)     
  • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Cobalt Ballroom
    Storytelling & Branding: Attracting Customers Through Compelling Narratives
    Presenter: Danielle Watler (Out of the Blu)
  • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Cobalt Ballroom
    Digital Sales Unlocked: E-Commerce & Payment Solutions for Small Business
    Presenter: Kevin Foster (Cayman Gateway)
  • 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Cobalt Ballroom
    Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Small Business
    Presenter: Tom Wood (Kirk ISS)

Althea West-Myers, Director of CICBD, expressed her excitement for the 2024 Expo:
"After the success of last year’s event, we are thrilled to build on that momentum and create an even more impactful experience for attendees and exhibitors alike. Our goal is to continue empowering Caymanian businesses with the knowledge and resources they need to compete on the global stage while fostering strong ties within our local community."

This year’s Expo is proudly sponsored by Compass Media, CIBC, Department of Tourism, Ministry of Youth Sports & Heritage, CIDB, Cayman National, and Enterprise Cayman. Their generous support has been instrumental in bringing together the resources necessary to make this event a success.

The 2024 Small Business Expo promises to be an invaluable opportunity for local entrepreneurs to connect with global trends, expand their skills, and build meaningful relationships that will help them scale and succeed. The event will showcase the resilience, creativity, and growth potential of Cayman’s small businesses, equipping them to seize opportunities in international markets.

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