The 2016 Small Business Expo, put on by the Cayman Islands Small Business Association (CISBA), highlighted 35 entrepreneurs to hundreds of residents on Saturday, 28 May.

Titled ‘Synergy,’ and held at the University College of the Cayman Islands Hall, CISBA President Dawn McLean-Sawney said the expo strengthened commercial relationships.

‘Our challenge now is to build on this success and ensure that next year’s expo, tentatively set for April 2017, can deliver on business owners’ expectations’, she said.

Mrs McLean-Sawney noted that the Ministry of Commerce collaborated with CISBA in organising the expo.

‘As an association, we hope to work with the Ministry and other stakeholders on addressing the challenges that small business owners face so that, ultimately, they are in a better position to be successful,’ she said.

The expo showcased an array of businesses, from health care specialists to computer repair companies. Several workshops also took place throughout the day, covering topics from customer service and digital marketing tips, to retail pricing techniques and health insurance information.

Temporary Minister for Commerce, Councillor Roy McTaggart, highlighted a number of developments in commerce during his keynote address – from the latest steps to modernise Cayman’s intellectual property laws, to new public-private sector partnerships. Mr McTaggart stood in for Commerce Minister Wayne Panton – who visited the expo later in the day, after he returned to Cayman from overseas official business.

Ministry Deputy Chief Officer Tamara Ebanks said the expo enjoyed one of the highest exhibitor turnouts in its four-year history.

‘The Ministry is pleased with the level of community support the expo generated. The small businesses that were on display spoke positively about the level of exposure they received. From what we observed on Saturday, they made the most of this marketing opportunity by reaching out to potential clients they otherwise may have missed.

‘Based on the feedback we received, the Ministry and CISBA are confident that the expo will continue to benefit the local business community for years to come’, she said.

This year’s corporate sponsors were Hurley’s Media, Digicel Business and DART Enterprises Ltd (gold sponsors); Cayman News Service Business (silver sponsor); and Cayman Enterprise City, Cayman National Bank, and RBC Royal Bank (Cayman) Ltd (bronze sponsors).

IMAGES:

Photo 1: Councillor Roy McTaggart delivered the opening remarks.

Photo 2: The Cayman Islands Small Business Association expo, which was supported by the Ministry of Commerce, highlighted 35 small businesses at the University College of the Cayman Islands Hall.