Strengthening support for local entrepreneurs and expanding growth opportunities for Cayman’s micro and small businesses were key priorities as a Cayman Islands Government delegation engaged regional investment and business development partners at the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) in Barbados from 5–7 October.
Under the theme “Invest. Innovate. Accelerate.”, CIF hosted investors, business leaders, policymakers and innovators from across the region to explore investment opportunities, showcase projects and discuss strategies for sustainable economic growth.
The delegation included: Shennique Seales, Senior Policy Advisor in the Ministry of Financial Services and Commerce (MFSC); Thais Ducent, Director of the Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD); Antoleen Williams, CICBD Deputy Director and Seko Hunte, CICBD Business Support Officer for Market Research and Project Coordination.
The forum provided practical insights relevant to the Ministry’s ongoing commerce policy work, including implementation of the Small Business Policy. It also explored ways CICBD can support micro and small businesses through access to capital, innovation, digitisation, market expansion and sustainable growth. The discussions also highlighted opportunities to strengthen business visibility and market readiness, supporting the CIG’s efforts to help local micro and small businesses to expand.
In addition to participating in the forum, the delegation met with regional organisations and key stakeholders including:
CICBD Director Thais Ducent says “our visit provided a valuable opportunity to engage with organisations across the region, gain first-hand insights into their programmes and approaches, and establish meaningful relationships to build upon. The knowledge and experiences shared will inform our thinking as we continue to develop and strengthen our offerings to businesses in Cayman."
The Ministry and CICBD's attendance at the CIF directly align with Government's Broad Outcome to strengthen key industries, encourage innovation and entrepreneurship and maintain economic stability to support long-term prosperity for Caymanians.