Aspiring entrepreneur Damoya Fearon earned top marks in the Youth Pitch Competition at the Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development’s (CICBD) 2026 Small Business Expo, for her innovative business concept aimed at turning sargassum into a valuable resource.
Fearon who won CI$2,500, is a Year 13 student at Cayman Prep and High School.
She is the sole founder of SargaPower, a venture focused on converting sargassum from Cayman’s beaches and nearshore waters into biogas and fertiliser.
She hopes to contribute to a cleaner Cayman while transforming an environmental challenge into a useful resource. Geslie Range from the University College of the Cayman Islands placed second in the competition, receiving $1,500, while the team of Kylen McLean and Nyla Christian from John Gray High School secured third place and a prize of $1,000.
The top three winners will all receive business advisory support from CICBD. Held under the theme “Island Innovation: Powered by Possibility,” the Expo provided a platform for 40 exhibitors and approximately 400 attendees to connect with resources, network, explore opportunities and showcase ideas with the potential to contribute to the Cayman Islands’ economic future. Premier and Minister for Financial Services and Commerce (MFSC) the Hon. André M. Ebanks MP, delivered the keynote address, drawing on his personal experience working in small businesses during his first year in law school. He highlighted the realities of entrepreneurship and the importance of access to advice, capital and mentorship in helping business owners navigate challenges and succeeding.
He also encouraged investors to help build micro and small businesses.
"I don't want you to underestimate how valuable you are to businesses and how you could change their lives.
Not just by funding them but by connecting with the owners on a visceral level to understand their goals and establish true partnerships that help them to grow their businesses," he said.
The Expo which is in its fourth year, reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to support micro and small businesses, recognising their contribution to economic resilience, innovation and opportunities for Caymanians.
Through its programmes and services, CICBD provides business counselling, coaching, training and other support to help entrepreneurs at different stages of their business journey.