LAUNCH YOUR IDEA FASTER

The Cayman Islands Business Design Competition

An innovative Ideate Programme and pre-seed initiative where entrepreneurs have access to resources to identify and validate a clear idea to commercialise.

About The Competition

We’re inviting all problem solvers, big thinkers, and go-getters, like you, to participate in the annual Cayman Islands Business Design Competition. Enterprise Cayman is dedicated to creating engaging programmes that empower individuals and growing businesses to develop and launch innovative products, services, and ventures. This competition provides a dynamic platform where innovators can connect in a welcoming environment that fosters creativity, a place where individuals, local businesses, and global ventures can thrive!

Successful applicants will participate in hands-on training sessions and workshops focused on the Ideate stage of the Design Sprint - a five-phase process designed to help competitors reduce the risks of bringing new ideas to market. Over five weeks, competitors will refine and validate their business concepts with additional guidance from professional advisors before presenting a final pitch to a panel of judges - think "Cayman Islands Shark Tank”!

Download Official Rules & Judging Criteria

Why take part?

Validate your Idea Faster

Access Professional Support

Meet Like-minded Entrepreneurs

Develop your Profile & Public Speaking Skills

Competition Timeline

2027 Competition Dates

1 November 2026 - Competition Opens
19 January 2027 - Online Info Session (6:00 pm - 7:00 pm)
31 January 2027 - Application Deadline
22 February 2027 - Finalists Announced (Online)
6 March 2027 - Design Day I: Competitors dive into business-focused workshops centred on the Ideate stage of the Design Sprint, exploring creative solutions and refining their concepts (10:00 am - 4:00 pm)*
20 March 2027 - Design Day II: Continuation of Ideate-focused workshops to deepen design thinking and concept development (10:00 am - 4:00 pm)*
3 April 2027 - Design Day III: Public Speaking Workshop & Pitch Day Practice with panel feedback to prepare for final presentations (10:00 am - 4:00 pm)*
4 April 2027 - Deadline for Competition Pack and Pitch Deck Submission (11:59pm)
10 April 2027 - "Pitch Day" 2:00pm at The Marriott Beach Resort - Think "Cayman Islands Shark Tank"
12 April 2027 - Winners Announced Online

* Attendance mandatory in order to qualify for and participate in the Pitch Day event.

Additional Resources

Design Thinking "Tech Talks": Watch the discussion online here
2025 Business Design Competition Highlights
2026 Business Design Competiton Highlights

Website Image Banner and Background (3)-1

Who can apply?

The Cayman Islands Business Design Competition is open to all residents of the Cayman Islands over the age of 18 years. Participants may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four persons.

What type of project can I enter?

Competitors can apply by entering a new product idea, a new service, or new feature that they wish to validate and bring to market.

You might already have an existing business and your team is considering launching a new product, OR you might have an idea for a brand new business.

How much does it cost to enter?

Thanks to the generous support from Cayman Enterprise City, the Cayman Islands Business Design Competition is 100% FREE to apply! 10 successful projects and finalists will be invited to participate each year.

What can you win?

Project of the Year

For a business design that shines above and beyond competition expectations. The grand prize for the "Project of the Year" is USD $10,000 plus wraparound business services. Sponsored by Cayman Enterprise City.

The Innovation Award

For an innovative business design that is inspiring, new and/or unconventional. Win a USD $2,000 cash prize and wraparound business services. Sponsored by ZEAL.

Community Impact Award

For a business design that makes a difference in our local and/or global communities. Win a USD $2,000 cash prize and wraparound business services. Sponsored by HIGHVERN.

People's Choice Award

For a business design that takes home the honor of being the community's favorite, and that stands out to individuals. Win a USD $2,000 cash prize. Sponsored by Enterprise Cayman.

What do competition finalists receive?

Each finalist will receive a ‘prize pack’ which includes:

1-year complimentary access to Launch Labs Studios, which includes professional co-work and meeting spaces at CEC’s Signal House.
Invitations to Launch Labs Studios Workshop Series an ongoing series of workshops.
Access to CEC Member events and networking opportunities throughout 2026.
Reduced rate of incorporation with HSM.
90% discount on HubSpot for Startups.
Business development and outbound support by Emailchaser.
A Business Advisory Support Package from the Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD)

What do participants have to say?

"I've had people say to me, ‘Hey, I have this business idea, should I join the competition? Is my idea good enough?’ Just give it a go because it's not necessarily about winning the prize. It's about the resources they provide during the competition."

“It was an incredible experience that pushed me beyond my comfort zone and motivated me to turn my ideas into reality."

"The Design Weekend was amazing. Very informative, 4 years of college packed in one weekend, loved it!"

"I felt supported and well guided throughout the entrepreneurship crash course."

"I loved the "buzz" of enthusiasm in the room. The diversity of finalists, across different ages, ethnic origin, gender, backgrounds, etc., helped make us feel that we really belonged in the room, which encouraged such wonderful participation and interactivity. Thank you."

Instructors & Project Advisors

Melesia Adderley

Competition Instructor, Founder and CEO of Women's Haven

Lauren Christie

Competition Instructor, Head of Accounting and Advisory at HLB Berman Fisher

Rich Dyer

Competition Instructor, Co-Founder at Massive Media

Isobel Forde

Competition Instructor, Head of Global Mobility at Cayman Enterprise City

Khurram Hassan

Project Advisor, Managing Partner at Advantage Consulting, LLC

Joshua Hecht

Project Advisor, Venture Investor and Managing Partner at Intrinsic Capital

Lance Jefferson

Project Advisor, Digital Marketing & Sales Manager/Business Consultant at NetGeekz Cayman

Terita Kalloo

Competition Instructor, Director at CIIPO

Vlad Logvinov

Project Advisor, Managing Director at Privork Limited

David Manouchehri

Project Advisor, Director at ai.moda

Bartosz Mozyrko

Competition Instructor & Project Advisor, Product Manager at GoDaddy

Marta Pires

Project Advisor, Finance and Operations at BlockchainCompany

Stuart Reavley

Project Advisor, Managing Director at Juneau Technologies SEZC

Cassandra Shea

Competition Instructor, Head of Theatre & Festivals at Cayman National Cultural Foundations

Michael Staniewicz

Competition Instructor, Founder of Cogniscent Learning

Ty Thomas

Competition Instructor, Chief Media Officer at MuscleWiki SEZC

Ryan Watson

Competition Instructor, Founder of MuscleWiki SEZC

George Wauchope

Competition Instructor, Founder and CEO of Emailchaser

Omara Whittaker

Competition Instructor, Intellectual Property Registry Officer at CIIPO

Brianna Wilson

Competition Instructor & Project Advisor, Founder and Creative Director of The Design Space

Programme Sponsors & Partners

Competition Archives

A first of its kind in the Cayman Islands, the inaugural Business Design Competition took place 27 March 2021 at the Harquail Studio Theatre. View past projects and event videos by accessing the competition archives...

Contact Us