CICBD Raising Capital Forum

George Town, Grand Cayman - The Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD) is a government department created to support the development of micro and small businesses. Since its inception, the CICBD has worked to empower the Islands' entrepreneurs by providing a suite of business support services aimed at developing and sustaining businesses that can provide jobs for Caymanians, create wealth and advance economic development.

"Building resilience in small businesses is a key priority of Government," said Ms. Tamara Ebanks, Acting Chief Officer of the Ministry of Investment, Innovation & Social Development. She continued, "I am delighted that the Centre for Business Development is launching a series of informative events that will unite local entrepreneurs with local expertise."

One of the strategic priorities of the Centre is to help to create an enabling business environment for start-ups, micro and small businesses. Accordingly, the CICBD will host the first in a series of discussions dubbed "Raising Capital."

Althea West-Myers, Director of the CICBD, explained that the purpose of the Forum is to highlight existing options for accessing financing. Panelists at this series of events will include representatives from the banking sector, private investor groups, Government, and small business owners with a track record of success. Ms. West-Myers stated, "Business owners will get an opportunity to engage with the panelists - to share their dreams, air their challenges and raise their concerns."

The overall objectives of the Raising Capital Forum are to:

• Bring together major players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem with a view to identifying and bridging silos
• Instigate discussion around the funding needs of small businesses and their resulting obligations to funders
• Provide insight into the existing funding landscape in the Cayman Islands
• Provide specific information as to the financing options available to start-ups and small businesses
• Present the requirements/expectations of potential investors/funders

This first discussion will focus on the important question, "What makes a small business fundable?" and is scheduled for Thursday, June 23, 2022, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort.

The events will be open to the public. Persons who are interested in attending may contact the Centre via its website, http://www.CICBD.gov.ky for further information.